Retired General Ofer Winter Rejects Mansour Abbas's Criticism of Israel's Jewish Identity

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, who recently announced the formation of his new political party 'Amcha Yisrael,' sharply criticized Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party, over Abbas's remarks regarding Israel's Jewish character. Abbas had stated that the Jewish identity of the state was an imposed reality on the Arab public, not a choice they made, describing it as the majority Jewish population's decision rather than a demand from the Arab community. Winter responded firmly, saying that anyone who does not recognize Israel as a Jewish state is free to move to any Arab country they wish and should not be allowed to be elected to the Knesset. He emphasized that it is time to internalize that "what was, will not be."

Earlier, Abbas also explained that Arab parties have had to accept Israel's Jewish definition pragmatically to avoid disqualification from running in Knesset and local elections. In related reactions, Tali Gottlieb expressed outrage, stating that parties holding such views should not be allowed to run for the Knesset. Winter's comments highlight ongoing tensions over the definition of Israel's national identity and the political participation of Arab parties within the state.

The dispute underscores the sensitive nature of Israel's Jewish character in political discourse, especially among Arab representatives and nationalist figures. Winter's new party launch and his uncompromising stance signal a hardening position on this issue ahead of upcoming elections.