Netanyahu Offered Ofer Winter Top Likud Spot to Prevent Independent Run

The political drama surrounding retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter's independent run with his new party has intensified. Media personality Yaakov Bardugo revealed on Galei Yisrael radio that significant efforts were made within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle to stop Winter's solo candidacy. Bardugo disclosed that Winter was officially offered a secured high-ranking position on the Likud party list, reportedly directly from Netanyahu himself. Bardugo emphasized the reliability of this information, stating it was thoroughly verified and that Winter declined the offer. Meanwhile, Shlomo Filber tempered expectations by describing Winter's party as a "1.5% party," reflecting skepticism about its electoral impact. This development comes amid concerns in the national camp about vote splitting on the right and the emergence of new parties. Winter's refusal of a prestigious Likud slot underscores his determination to continue independently rather than joining existing right-wing factions.