Ofer Winter Declined High-Position Offer in Likud, Bardugo Reveals

Yaakov Bardugo disclosed in an interview with Galei Israel that Ofer Winter was officially offered a high secured spot on the Likud party list, an offer reportedly made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or one of his closest aides. Despite the significant opportunity, Winter refused the offer. Recently, Winter announced the formation of a new political party and is now facing opposition from Netanyahu, who is concerned about Winter running independently. The coalition bloc fears that Winter's solo run could split the right-wing vote and potentially cause the Religious Zionism party to fall below the electoral threshold, especially since Winter declined to merge with any existing party. Netanyahu's camp is actively campaigning against Winter's independent candidacy to prevent weakening the right-wing coalition ahead of upcoming elections.