Winter and Erdan Discuss Party Merger Amid Disagreement Over Narrow Netanyahu Government

Over the past few months, Ofir Winter and Gilad Erdan have met four times to explore a potential merger between their political parties, according to a report by Kan News on Thursday. The main sticking point remains their differing views on joining a narrow government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Winter is willing to join such a government if no broader alternative emerges, while Erdan refuses to support a narrow government for any side. Despite this, frequent meetings indicate Winter does not rule out Erdan as a partner, even though Winter previously stated he would not join forces with incumbent politicians. Currently, neither side has dismissed the possibility of future unification.

In parallel developments, Winter has been holding advanced talks with journalist Netali Shem Tov about her running for the Knesset on his soon-to-be-announced new party list. Shem Tov, a former reporter for News 12 and News 13 and a resident of Metula displaced by the recent war, is also being courted by the Likud party. Following the recent Likud primaries, which resulted in only two women securing realistic spots on the party list, Netanyahu's circle has intensified efforts to recruit her. Additionally, Eli Gino, a retired lieutenant colonel and former commander of the Givati Brigade reconnaissance battalion under Winter, is expected to join Winter's party. Gino has not commented, while Winter responded with "patience."

Meanwhile, in a related political critique, Hendel attacked Erdan for founding a party that is not close to passing the electoral threshold. After being ousted by party members, Netanyahu is reportedly considering reserving a Knesset seat for Dikhter.