Likud Officials Reject Ofer Winter as Part of Right-Wing Bloc Ahead of Elections

Following Ofer Winter's announcement of his new political party, senior Likud officials have publicly stated that they do not consider him part of the right-wing bloc. They expressed concerns that Winter might ally with Avigdor Lieberman and Naftali Bennett after the elections to form a "right-wing axis bypassing Netanyahu." Likud leaders emphasized that existing right-wing parties are committed to the bloc's victory, while Winter has yet to demonstrate responsibility for ensuring the bloc's success or clarify his stance on not splitting right-wing votes.

Netanyahu's team fears a complete disconnect from Winter, suspecting that Winter is primarily focused on securing a Knesset seat regardless of the government coalition. They also recalled Winter's past extensive contacts with Bennett and Lieberman during his military career and noted that Netanyahu's attempt to appoint Winter as his military secretary was blocked by the IDF Chief of Staff, possibly straining Winter's loyalty to Netanyahu.

Conversely, Winter's associates claim he appeals to 15 to 25 Knesset seats worth of right-wing voters disillusioned with current coalition parties, partly due to criticism of the government's handling of the October 7 attacks and perceived overreliance on ultra-Orthodox factions. They assert Winter is a clear right-wing figure committed to supporting a right-wing government and will not push for a unity government involving left-wing parties.

Winter is set to officially present his party and its diverse right-wing candidate list, aiming to attract voters across the right-wing spectrum without the uniform ideological branding seen in parties like Religious Zionism or Otzma Yehudit. Likud officials indicated that if Winter manages to draw votes from right-wing voters currently supporting opposition parties without harming existing right-wing factions, Netanyahu would likely cooperate with him in forming the next coalition.