Netanyahu and Smotrich Urge Candidate Winter to Withdraw Ahead of Elections

With just one week remaining until the legislative elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party, met with Rabbi Eli Sadan, director of the Bnei David military preparatory school. The meeting, held in Eli, aimed to persuade Ofer Winter to withdraw his candidacy. Concerns were raised that Winter's party, Amkha Yisrael, might not cross the electoral threshold, potentially costing the right-wing bloc crucial votes needed for a majority. Reserve General Ofer Winter, who has close ties to Rabbi Sadan and consults him regularly, was the target of this diplomatic effort. Netanyahu and Smotrich reportedly hoped Sadan would intervene to encourage Winter's withdrawal.

Winter reacted strongly to the reported pressure, denouncing it as an attempt to manipulate him. "Netanyahu, I heard that you and Smotrich went to Rabbi Eli Sadan to pressure me to withdraw. Understand this well: the people of Israel aspire to a different policy. They are tired of the hateful and immoral campaign you have waged and the dishonest methods you employ," Winter stated. His campaign has also reported receiving threats and harassment aimed at forcing members to leave the party.

Winter defended his political platform, presenting it as an alternative to the current right-wing leadership. He advocated for a responsible leadership that acknowledges its mistakes and failures, and is characterized by love and unity for the entire Jewish people. "We are here only for the Jewish people and we will go to the end with all our might," he asserted.

Winter's candidacy has generated concern within right-wing circles, with some fearing Amkha Yisrael will not secure enough votes to enter the Knesset, thereby fragmenting the right-wing vote. Previously, Davidi Ben Zion, who was eighth on Winter's list, withdrew his candidacy two weeks before the election, citing the risk of the party failing to meet the electoral threshold. Winter himself has previously blamed Netanyahu for jeopardizing the political right's chances, stating that the Prime Minister is responsible if his party fails to pass the threshold.