Ofer Winter Prepares New Party Launch, Criticizes Government Performance

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter is set to launch a new political party ahead of the upcoming elections, with his close associates sharply criticizing the current Israeli government. According to Winter's team, the right-wing bloc cannot enter the elections in its current form and requires 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, potentially enabling a government led by Benny Gantz and Arab parties.

Winter's associates condemned the government's achievements over the past three years, stating there has been no decisive action in any arena, with no expulsion of Gazan militants, no reforms, and no military conscription progress. Winter is expected to officially present his party tomorrow and confirm his alignment with Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc, assuring right-wing voters their votes will remain within the coalition.

However, Winter's declaration of loyalty to Netanyahu exposes him to pressure to act in line with the bloc's shared interests. Meanwhile, Netanyahu views Winter as a potential threat to the right-wing bloc, fearing vote splitting among the numerous right-wing parties expected to compete, including Gilad Erdan's Unity party, Moshe Feiglin's Zehut, and Avi Maoz's Noam. Netanyahu has urged voters not to support small parties and has developed strategies within Likud to counter these emerging factions. Some advisors suggest Netanyahu should try to bring Winter closer, but currently, the prime minister leans toward attacking him to protect the bloc's electoral strength and the chances of Bezalel Smotrich passing the electoral threshold.