Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter Launches New Right-Wing Party Amid Security Debate

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter announced the formation of a new political party named "Amcha Israel" at a launch event held at the Shiloh Center in Jerusalem on Tuesday. The party, which aims to contest the upcoming elections, includes fighters, public figures, and advocacy activists such as Yosef Hadad and Leli Deri. Winter emphasized the need for a new approach to Israel’s security doctrine and called for decisive victory over enemies, criticizing the security policies preceding the October 7 attacks.

Winter declared that the upcoming elections represent a referendum on Israel’s future security strategy, posing a choice between initiative, cunning, and decisive action versus containment. He positioned his party firmly within the right-wing camp, advocating for a broad right-wing government with many Zionist partners. Winter highlighted his personal connection to the right-wing cause, referencing his family’s expulsion from Gush Katif and his lifelong commitment to right-wing positions.

The party’s platform includes addressing challenges such as integrating Haredim into the IDF, connecting with Arabs who support the state, reforming the judicial system, and combating corruption and crime. Winter called for less politics and more leadership, stressing that the party’s members have not been part of the failures of October 7 but have fought and paid heavy prices. He recounted his military service in elite units and honored fallen soldiers, including Imad Faras and others from various IDF brigades.

Winter criticized the decision-making processes in the security establishment before October 7, accusing them of ignoring warnings and underestimating threats. He warned that without a fundamental change in Israel’s security approach, similar attacks could recur from the West Bank or other borders. He stressed that Israel must not allow enemies to recover after conflict and must never abandon its borders again.

The party’s candidate list features notable figures such as advocacy activist Yosef Hadad, attorney Eran Ben Ari, Samaria Regional Council Deputy Head David Ben Zion, bereaved mother Leli Deri, retired Colonel Eli Gino, "Generation of Victory" founder Aviv Ezra, journalist Natali Shem Tov, advocacy activist Fler Hassan-Nahum, economist Ronen Bodenro, and Sigal Kraunik, widow of a kibbutz security officer. Winter called on regular and reserve soldiers and their families, calling them the "heroes of the generation," to support the party’s goal of reshaping national priorities and security concepts.