Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter Launches New Party, Threatening Right-Wing Bloc Stability

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter is set to announce the formation of a new political party this week, unveiling his candidate list. Winter positions himself with a strong stance against the security policies of Israel's military leadership in recent years. He emphasizes his independence from any previous political affiliations, stating, "When I was in the army, they said I was a Bibi supporter because Netanyahu wanted me for that, so I was a Bibi supporter. Then they said I aligned with Liberman, and now I'm supposedly back with Bennett. I am a soldier of the people of Israel, I love all the people of Israel and do not belong to anyone."

Winter's entry into the crowded right-wing political landscape has been welcomed by left-wing factions, who see the proliferation of right-wing parties as a factor that could lead to the bloc's collapse. A recent poll indicates that if Winter runs independently, he is unlikely to pass the electoral threshold. However, his candidacy could cause the Religious Zionist Party, currently polling at five seats, to fall below the threshold and fail to enter the Knesset. This development raises concerns about the fragmentation of the right-wing vote ahead of upcoming elections.