Tali Gottlieb Warns Ofop Winter Against Splitting Right-Wing Vote With New Party

Amid reports that retired Brigadier General Ofir Winter plans to establish a new political party, Knesset member Tali Gottlieb of Likud criticized the move, urging him to join an existing party instead. While praising Winter's distinguished military career, Gottlieb warned that his independent run could weaken the right-wing camp. "Ofir Winter, don’t be discouraged but you are not the Messiah," she wrote, acknowledging his battlefield expertise but emphasizing the political risks.

Gottlieb expressed skepticism that Winter’s party would strengthen the right, arguing that it could be exploited by left-wing figures such as Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan, and Mansour Abbas. She accused these figures of elevating right-wing leaders like Winter to divide and weaken their base, citing past examples like Benny Gantz and Naftali Bennett. "They will use you to weaken the right," she asserted.

Separating her respect for Winter’s military abilities from his political suitability, Gottlieb described him as a solo commander but not a savior in the political arena. She suggested Winter could secure a position within an existing party if he reassessed his approach. She concluded with a personal critique, calling him "not a headache for anyone, just a pain in your conscience at this time," and wished him well at the Zion Building, a Likud headquarters.

This public rebuke highlights tensions within the Israeli right over potential fragmentation ahead of upcoming elections, with concerns that new parties could dilute the right-wing vote and inadvertently benefit their political opponents.