Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter Launches New Party Ahead of Israeli Elections

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter announced on Tuesday evening the formation of a new political party that will run in the upcoming Israeli Knesset elections, shaking up Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc. Winter's entry into politics raises concerns that one or more parties in Netanyahu's coalition may fail to pass the electoral threshold.

Journalist Netali Shem Tov, 43, from northern Israel, was the first to join Winter's party. She and her family were evacuated from their home in Metula following the outbreak of war on October 7. She praised Winter as a courageous Israeli leader and expressed commitment to prioritizing the needs of settlers, peripheral residents, and border guards.

Earlier this month, Winter revealed his political stance and doubts about Netanyahu's chances, stating that if elections were held immediately, former Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot could become prime minister with support from Mansour Abbas, due to a significant drift away from the current right-wing government. Winter criticized the inability of right-wing leaders, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, and Netanyahu himself, to regain public trust, and emphasized his goal of bringing new, non-politician figures to restore confidence.

Winter also commented on the recent dismissal of Central Command Chief Avi Blot by Defense Minister Israel Katz, condemning the manner of the firing as damaging to public trust. He highlighted Blot's role in advancing sovereignty and protecting settlements, criticizing the decision to remove him publicly without prior consultation.

Winter's political move and critiques signal a potential reshaping of the right-wing bloc ahead of the elections, with possible alliances and new entrants still under consideration.