Retired General Ofer Winter Launches New Right-Wing Party Ahead of Israeli Elections

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter has officially launched his new right-wing political party ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections. The party list includes notable figures such as public diplomacy activist Yosef Hadad as the number two candidate and respected news anchor Netali Shem Tov. Additionally, Lali Deri, who lost her son in the Gaza war, is expected to join the party. The launch event will also announce the inclusion of David Ben Zion, deputy head of the Shomron Council, and Eran Ben Ari, opposition leader at the Israel Bar Association.

Yosef Hadad, who had registered his own party, has merged with Winter’s list, demanding multiple spots in the top ten candidates. Unlike other new parties that position themselves as centrist or flexible, Winter’s party openly supports Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister and strongly opposes Benny Gantz, aligning with the right-wing bloc. Polls indicate that most of Winter’s potential seats come from coalition voters.

Netali Shem Tov, a veteran journalist and news presenter from northern Israel, announced her candidacy on Winter’s list. She recently evacuated her home in Metula due to the Iron Swords conflict. She praised Winter as a courageous leader and emphasized their shared commitment to advancing the interests of settlers, peripheral communities, and border residents. Shem Tov has a background in military public diplomacy and holds a master’s degree in political communication.

Winter faces opposition from Netanyahu, who fears that his party could split the right-wing vote and cause the Religious Zionist party to fall below the electoral threshold. Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich have warned against vote splitting, while Winter argues his party will attract disillusioned right-wing voters who might otherwise abstain or vote for other right-wing factions, ultimately strengthening the bloc.

The party launch marks a significant development in the right-wing political landscape ahead of the 26th Knesset elections, with Winter positioning himself as a key player representing both military and civilian leadership perspectives.