Netanyahu Expresses Distrust in Winter Ahead of New Right-Wing Party Launch

Before Ofir Winter announced the formation of a new political party, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu privately expressed distrust towards him. According to a report by i24, Netanyahu feared Winter's party could split the right-wing bloc, either wasting votes or diverting them to a government led by Benny Gantz's ally, Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu reportedly said, "I do not trust Winter," highlighting concerns about further fragmentation of the right.

Winter has been working recently to establish a new right-wing party, engaging with figures such as public diplomacy activist Yosef Hadad and Leli Deri, who lost her son in the "Sword of Iron" operation and previously ran in Likud primaries. Hadad is expected to be placed second on the party list.

Earlier, Yehoshua Shani, a bereaved father and chairman of the Valor Forum, sharply criticized Winter's move, joining other right-wing voices opposing the new party. Shani called the timing inappropriate during a critical period for Israel, describing the initiative as "another ego, another split, and a mysterious video like a thriller trailer." While acknowledging Winter's respected military background, Shani warned that the new party could endanger the right-wing bloc by siphoning off votes. He concluded by emphasizing that leadership requires responsibility and urged against dividing the national camp at this crucial time.