סמוטריץ' הציע לוינטר תפקיד שר בתמורה לפרישה - ונדחה: שום הצעה לא תשכנע אותי

Minister Bezalel Smotrich approached Ofer Vinter, chairman of the "Am Ech Israel" party, with an offer to appoint him as a minister from the quota that "Religious Zionism" will demand in coalition negotiations, in exchange for Vinter withdrawing from the election race. Vinter's party clarified that no offer of a position would convince their chairman to withdraw. Yosef Haddad, a candidate on Vinter's list, called the offer "political bribery."

Smotrich directly addressed Vinter, stating that most polls show him failing to pass the electoral threshold and emphasizing the importance of continued right-wing rule for his voters. He proposed that Vinter lead the implementation of public values in the country, values that Smotrich's party shares. The offer suggested Smotrich's party would forgo a ministerial position from its quota in coalition talks if Vinter withdrew.

Vinter's party sources stated that the public is tired of "job politics" and that if they were satisfied with the current right-wing situation, they would have joined existing parties. They urged those dissatisfied with the past four years to vote for the new party.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also joined the call for Vinter to withdraw. The proposed mechanism allows for Vinter to be appointed minister without being a Knesset member, with "Religious Zionism" demanding the ministerial role and its authorities, and then presenting Vinter's name for a vote during the government's swearing-in. This arrangement would also preserve Vinter's independence, not obligating him to vote according to "Religious Zionism's" positions.

Smotrich's offer comes after a recent poll showed "Am Ech Israel" falling below the electoral threshold with only 3.1% of the vote. Last week, Dovide Ben Zion, Deputy Head of the Samaria Council, announced his resignation from Vinter's party, citing pressure exerted on him.