Rabbi Vinter Resists Pressure from Netanyahu and Smotrich to Withdraw

Rabbi Eli Sadan, the Chief Rabbi of the settlement of Alon Shvut, has revealed that Ofer Vinter, head of the 'Amcha Israel' party, faced significant pressure from figures within the Likud and Religious Zionism parties to withdraw from the upcoming elections. Despite these efforts, Rabbi Sadan expressed his support for Vinter's candidacy, stating that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can only form a right-wing government if Vinter's party successfully crosses the electoral threshold.

In a recorded statement, Rabbi Sadan explained his initial reluctance to intervene in electoral matters, acknowledging Netanyahu's past performance as a "great prime minister." However, he clarified that he had not advised Vinter to withdraw, contrary to reports. "I believe that only if Ofer Vinter crosses the electoral threshold, only then will Bibi have a complete right-wing government," Sadan stated, emphasizing Vinter's crucial role in forming a future right-wing coalition.

Reports indicate that Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously attempted to increase pressure on Vinter to withdraw, reportedly by approaching Vinter's rabbi to coordinate a conversation. Additionally, Bezalel Smotrich, the leader of the Religious Zionism party, also tried to persuade Vinter to exit the race. Smotrich allegedly offered to forgo his own ministerial position within the defense ministry, as part of his party's allocation in coalition negotiations, in exchange for Vinter's withdrawal from the Knesset candidacy.