Reserve Officer Yoel Shila Criticizes Ofer Winter's Political Approach as Weak and Contradictory

Reserve Major Yoel Shila sharply criticized Ofer Winter's political strategy, accusing him of ideological weakness and inconsistency. Shila highlighted a contradiction between Winter's claim of being non-sectarian and his inclusion of representatives from the religious Zionist movement Emunim in his party. He pointed out that Emunim's official statement emphasizes promoting a "religious Zionist voice" and appointing religious Zionist rabbis, suggesting Winter seeks the religious Zionist vote but avoids openly identifying with it.

Shila also questioned Winter's decision not to join the Religious Zionist Party, citing Winter's response that he is "not sectarian" while practically incorporating sectarian elements. He criticized Winter for competing with figures like attorney Eran Ben Ari, active in judicial reform, instead of supporting them, and mentioned former minister Ayelet Shaked's efforts in developing northern and southern Israel, implying Winter should have allied with her.

Further, Shila referenced Zvika Mor, who stood alone against Hamas and what Shila called the "progressive hostages campaign," questioning why Winter did not support him, suggesting sectarian bias. Shila challenged Winter's messages of "victory and decisiveness," contrasting them with government actions such as military operations in Gaza, strikes against Hezbollah and Iranian leaders, and settlement expansion in northern Samaria amid international pressure.

Addressing Winter's call for "something new," Shila argued that the October 7 attacks demand adherence to deep-rooted identity and values rather than novelty. He expressed uncertainty about the positions of Yosef Hadad and Natali Shmatov on family and Jewish identity issues, implying Winter himself may be unclear. Shila concluded by urging Winter to join the cultural struggle in Israel rather than seeking easy, flashy paths, stating, "This does not convey strength, it conveys weakness." He called on the religious Zionist public to demonstrate loyalty to their representatives amid left-wing attacks, as the Likud public has done.

Summary: Reserve Major Yoel Shila publicly condemned Ofer Winter's political approach, accusing him of ideological inconsistency and weakness for mixing sectarian elements while claiming non-sectarianism. Shila urged Winter to support established religious Zionist figures and engage fully in Israel's cultural and political battles, emphasizing the need for strong identity and values after the October 7 attacks.