Father of Nova Victim Quits Knesset Race, Backs Ofer Winter

Louk's decision comes amid intense political pressure on Winter to withdraw from the race to prevent splitting the right-wing vote. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich reportedly met with Winter's rabbi to discuss the matter, but Winter rejected the pressure and vowed to continue his campaign. Louk's withdrawal also follows the exit of Benny Gantz from the election race.

In an interview with Channel 14, Louk expressed grave concerns over a US-backed 20-point plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump, which he claimed has the backing of Netanyahu. Louk called the plan "suicide" and "a shot to the head for the people of Israel," alleging it includes a withdrawal from certain lines, a commitment not to promote emigration from Gaza, and the potential establishment of a Palestinian state. Louk claimed he personally observed hundreds of trucks entering Gaza carrying equipment for this purpose.

Additionally, the announcement followed confirmation by the IDF and Shin Bet of the elimination of a Hamas Nukhba terrorist in an airstrike in Jabalia, Gaza, on Monday. The terrorist, identified as Al-Saba'a, participated in the abduction of Shani Louk on October 7 and had been working to rebuild Hamas's capabilities and promote attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.