Netanyahu Coalition Warns Right-Wing Voters Against Supporting Ofer Winter's New Party
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Members of Netanyahu's coalition, including MK Tzvi Sukkot, warn that Ofer Winter's expected new party could split right-wing votes and threaten the bloc's electoral success. Billboards hinting at Winter's political move have appeared nationwide, raising concerns about his potential independent run ahead of the August 25 elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- MK Tzvi Sukkot warns Ofer Winter's new party endangers the right-wing bloc's election chances.
- Coalition urges right-wing voters to avoid risky votes that could split the bloc.
- Billboards with purple text hint at Winter's upcoming party announcement on August 25.
- Purple color references Givati Brigade, which Winter once commanded.
- Likud fears Winter's run could draw votes but fail to pass the electoral threshold.
- Recent polls show Winter's independent run could harm right-wing parties' results.
Ahead of the upcoming elections, members of Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition are signaling concerns about Ofer Winter's potential new political party. MK Tzvi Sukkot criticized Winter's expected party formation, stating it endangers the right-wing bloc's chances of forming a government. Speaking on 103FM on August 20, 2026, Sukkot emphasized the existential importance of a right-wing government and urged right-wing voters to avoid "adventures" that could jeopardize the bloc's unity and electoral success.
Sukkot highlighted that the coalition is not excluding anyone but stressed the strategic need to maximize right-wing votes to secure victory. He noted that decisions about electoral lists typically come at the last minute and that the focus is on results rather than personal ambitions.
Recently, numerous billboards appeared across Israel featuring the phrase "Soon you will have someone to vote for" in purple, alongside the date August 25, 2026. The purple color is associated with the Givati Brigade, which Winter previously commanded, suggesting these signs may be a prelude to his party announcement. The political establishment, particularly Likud, is closely monitoring Winter's moves with concern that his independent run could siphon votes from right-wing parties without surpassing the electoral threshold, thereby harming the entire bloc.
Polls conducted this week for the first time included a scenario with Winter running independently, indicating potential damage to right-wing parties. The new billboards reinforce speculation that Winter's political initiative may soon be officially declared, intensifying tensions within the right-wing camp ahead of the elections.
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