Religious Zionism Criticizes Reserve General Ofer Winter’s New Party Launch

The Religious Zionism party has strongly condemned the decision of Reserve Brigadier General Ofer Winter to run separately with his new party, Amcha Yisrael. Party officials warned that this split in the right-wing vote could lead to a dangerous scenario where the right-wing bloc loses power, enabling a left-wing government that would dismantle settlements. "The right-wing public will not forgive those who embark on risky adventures due to personal ambitions," party sources told News 14.

The Religious Zionism party emphasized that the outcome of Winter’s move is predictable and would result in the entire national camp’s defeat. They warned that dividing votes would empower figures like Yair Golan as defense minister and Gadi Eizenkot as prime minister of a left-wing government that would dismantle the settlement enterprise and establish a Palestinian state. The party urged voters to unite behind proven parties to avoid unnecessary risks.

Ofer Winter launched Amcha Yisrael earlier Tuesday, presenting a candidate list including public activists, former military officers, and journalists. Notable names include spokesperson Yosef Hadad, attorney Eran Ben Ari, and journalist Netali Shem Tov. The Religious Zionism party reaffirmed its pride in being the sole party representing the national-religious public and its commitment to the national camp.

This development comes ahead of the 2026 elections, with tensions rising over potential right-wing vote fragmentation. Nationalist figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir have also warned that Winter’s move could prevent the formation of a right-wing government.