Advisor to Ofer Winter Urges Continued Support for Smotrich and Religious Zionism

Kobi Eliraz, close friend and advisor to Israeli politician Ofer Winter, expressed surprising support for the Religious Zionist Party and its leader Bezalel Smotrich during a Wednesday interview on Kan Reshet Bet. Eliraz urged voters, particularly those living in settlements along Route 60, to continue backing Smotrich, stating he does not wish for the party's collapse or to take votes away from it.

When asked if Winter would withdraw from the race if polls showed he might not pass the electoral threshold, Eliraz emphasized Winter's responsibility and commitment to strengthening the right-wing camp rather than harming it. Winter himself has been working hard to secure at least 7-8 seats, dismissing speculation about his potential failure.

Eliraz also responded to criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed at Winter, suggesting Netanyahu should focus on former Likud members like Amir Ohana and Gideon Sa'ar who left to form new parties, instead of attacking Winter. He implied Netanyahu could have accommodated these figures within Likud but chose not to.

This interview highlights internal dynamics within Israel's right-wing political factions ahead of upcoming elections, with Winter positioning himself as a serious contender while maintaining respect for allied parties like Religious Zionism.