Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter Launches New Party "Amcha Israel" Ahead of Elections

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter officially announced on August 25, 2026, the formation of a new political party named "Amcha Israel" and declared his intention to run in the upcoming Israeli Knesset elections. This announcement followed earlier hints, including a billboard placed on the Ayalon Highway. Winter’s party is positioned as a predominantly secular, right-wing Israeli list, distinct from the religious Zionist parties, particularly rejecting any alliance with Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionist Party. Party sources told N12 that Winter’s list appeals to voters who do not want to support other right-wing parties and emphasized that Winter does not intend to withdraw from the race.

The party’s candidate list includes notable figures such as Yosef Hadad, Netali Shem Tov, Leli Deri, and David Ben Zion Eli Hirschman. Winter aims to serve as Israel’s next Defense Minister if his party enters the government. According to a recent News 12 poll, Winter’s party could secure four Knesset seats, surpassing the electoral threshold and potentially pushing Smotrich’s party below it. This scenario would expand the opposition bloc to 71 seats, including 60 from Zionist parties, while shrinking the governing coalition to 49 seats.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly taken note of Winter’s new party, viewing it as a potential threat to right-wing votes and Smotrich’s electoral viability. While Netanyahu has publicly criticized smaller parties, some advisors have suggested he attempt to court Winter’s faction to strengthen the right-wing bloc. Winter’s party advocates for a broad government led by Netanyahu but opposes a narrow coalition dependent on ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly over issues like military conscription.

Winter’s entry into the race introduces a new dynamic in the right-wing political landscape, challenging established parties and potentially reshaping coalition possibilities ahead of the elections.