Finance Minister Smotrich Accuses Party Leader Winter of Boycotting Him
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich released a video message to Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, accusing him of a six-month boycott and criticizing his independent political run. Smotrich's appeal followed a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Rabbi Eli Sadan, Winter's rabbi, aimed at preventing vote wastage. Winter had previously attacked the leaders and vowed to continue his campaign, while Smotrich urged him to reconsider his "irresponsible" decision.
הידיעה ב-5 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused Ofer Winter of boycotting him for six months.
- Smotrich criticized Winter's independent political campaign as irresponsible and a waste of votes.
- The appeal followed a meeting between Smotrich, PM Netanyahu, and Rabbi Eli Sadan.
- Winter previously attacked Netanyahu and Smotrich, vowing to continue his party's run.
- Smotrich urged Winter to stop his campaign and correct his "navigational error."
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich directly addressed Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, in a video message on Wednesday, criticizing Winter's campaign and accusing him of boycotting Smotrich for the past six months. Smotrich's appeal followed a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Smotrich, and Rabbi Eli Sadan, who is considered Winter's rabbi.
Smotrich stated that Winter's reaction to the meeting, which he described as a personal video, left him bewildered. "Brother Ofer, good morning. I'm trying this selfie video format you like, maybe it will reach your heart," Smotrich began, lamenting that their communication had devolved to video messages. He claimed Winter had refused to meet, talk, or consult with him for half a year, making him feel "radioactive."
Despite acknowledging they are in the same political camp, Smotrich sharply criticized Winter's decision to run independently, calling it irresponsible and a potential "slide into the abyss" that could waste votes and endanger Israel's future. Smotrich also pointed out that Winter's campaign messages contradicted his own calls to avoid attacking political rivals, arguing that Winter's campaign was essentially a large attack on both the Prime Minister and himself.
Smotrich highlighted the government's achievements over the past three years in areas including war, economy, settlement, the justice system, and Jewish identity. The appeal comes a day after Netanyahu and Smotrich met with Rabbi Sadan, founder of the Bnei David institutions, amid concerns within Netanyahu's circle about vote wastage. Reports suggest Netanyahu presented dire scenarios to the rabbi if Winter persisted in his independent run.
Winter, however, had previously criticized both Netanyahu and Smotrich, stating the public was tired of their campaign and affirming his party's intention to continue. Smotrich concluded his video by urging Winter, "Brother Ofer, you've lost your way. It's not too late to stop and correct."
לא אותו אירוע: ידיעות אחרות שחולקות עם הידיעה הזו אנשים, מקומות או נושא. רקע, תגובות והמשכים.
