Right-Wing Leader Gilad Erdan Rejects Partnership with Ofer Winter Over Government Stance

Ofer Winter and Gilad Erdan have met four times in recent months to explore a potential merger between their political parties, according to a report by Kan News on Thursday. The main disagreement between them centers on Winter's willingness to join a narrow government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if no broader alternative emerges, while Erdan refuses to accept such a limited government for any side.

Erdan addressed the issue on Reshet Bet radio, stating, "Ofer Winter is a right-wing man and I thought cooperation was possible, but once he says he will join a narrow government of the Prime Minister and the ultra-Orthodox in any case, there can be no partnership. I did not establish the Unity Party for this or that Prime Minister." He also acknowledged that "in the end, Netanyahu decides."

Additionally, i24NEWS reported on Wednesday that Netanyahu is concerned about Winter's entry into politics. According to journalist Amiel Yerachy, Netanyahu privately warns that Winter's candidacy could severely harm the right-wing bloc and lead to a critical loss of seats in the Knesset.