Ofer Winter’s New List Deals Major Blow to Netanyahu and Smotrich in Right-Wing Politics

Ofer Winter’s newly announced candidate list has shaken the right-wing political landscape in Israel by directly challenging the core voter base of the Religious Zionism party. The list includes influential figures such as Davidi Ben Zion, deputy head of the Shomron Regional Council and a respected leader in Judea and Samaria, appealing strongly to the national-religious community in its heartland and competing with Religious Zionism candidates from the settlements.

Winter also counters the legal leadership of Smotrich’s camp, represented by Simcha Rothman, by including Eran Ben Ari, a respected lawyer and legal expert within the nationalist camp, who is seen as less divisive. The list further broadens its appeal with the inclusion of Arab-Israeli spokesperson Yosef Hadad, alongside a majority of secular and female candidates like Lali Deri and Netali Shem Tov, breaking traditional tribal boundaries.

This diverse and independent list significantly undermines Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s influence. Despite efforts by Netanyahu and Likud to prevent vote splitting on the right through pressure and candidate protection, Winter’s strong political backing leaves him unwilling to merge or yield to other parties. Winter’s firm stance and the depth of his list explain why the former Givati Brigade commander refused to bend to Netanyahu’s demands.

The emergence of Winter’s list not only chips away at Smotrich’s strategic assets but also disrupts Netanyahu’s maneuvering room, signaling a major realignment within the right-wing political arena ahead of upcoming elections.