Ofer Winter Prepares New Party Launch Amid Sharp Criticism of Israeli Government

Ofer Winter, a retired brigadier general, is set to launch a new political party ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections, with his close associates sharply criticizing the current government’s performance. According to Winter’s team, the right-wing bloc cannot enter the elections in its current form and needs a fresh, attractive party to appeal to voters seeking new leadership after the October 7 Hamas attack. They argue that without such a party, voter turnout will decline, risking the formation of a government led by Benny Gantz and Arab parties.

Winter’s associates lament the government’s lack of decisive action over the past three years, citing failures such as the continued presence of Gazan militants, absence of reforms, and stalled military conscription. Winter himself is expected to officially present his party and confirm his alignment with Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc, assuring right-wing voters that their votes will remain within the coalition. However, this affiliation also subjects Winter to pressure to align with the bloc’s shared interests.

Within Netanyahu’s Likud party, there is concern that Winter’s new party could siphon votes from the right-wing bloc, potentially harming candidates like Bezalel Smotrich. Netanyahu has publicly urged voters not to support small parties, and the Likud has developed strategies to counter these emerging factions. While some advisors recommend attempting to bring Winter closer to the bloc, Netanyahu currently leans toward attacking him politically. The upcoming elections may see as many as eight right-wing parties competing for votes, including Winter’s party and others led by Gilad Erdan, Moshe Feiglin, and Avi Maoz.