Ofer Winter Challenges Netanyahu, Plans New Right-Wing Party Ahead of Elections

The political tension within Israel's right-wing has escalated as retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter's camp rejects Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent warnings. According to a report by Channel 12, Winter's team argues that the political landscape has fundamentally changed since the October 7 attacks. They claim that anyone expecting the right-wing to head into elections unchanged is "not connected to reality." Winter's associates believe that attracting right-wing voters now requires forming a new party with candidates untainted by the events of October 7. They warn that without a fresh and appealing party, voter turnout will decline, potentially enabling a government led by Benny Gantz and Arab parties. Winter is expected to officially announce his new party tomorrow, while stating his intention to join forces with Netanyahu after the elections. His team presents this as an advantage for right-wing voters, ensuring their votes remain within the bloc. This confrontation follows Netanyahu's recent video urging right-wing supporters not to back small parties, warning that such votes could inadvertently empower the left to take power: "Don't waste your vote on small parties that could bring the left to power."