Netanyahu's Circle Weighs Detente With Ofer Winter Ahead of Knesset Elections
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's associates are considering easing tensions with Ofer Winter to arrange a crucial surplus vote agreement with Itamar Ben Gvir, as political maneuvering intensifies ahead of the Knesset elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle is exploring options to defuse tensions with 'Am Yisrael' party leader Ofer Winter, aiming to secure a surplus vote agreement with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party to prevent the loss of right-wing votes ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections.
Behind the Scenes of the Political Feud
The proposed outline entails a 'ceasefire' by Likud against Winter, alongside a surplus vote agreement between Winter and Otzma Yehudit to ensure right-wing ballots are not wasted. While some advisers support the initiative, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains opposed for now. Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu previously offered Winter the position of military secretary to replace Maj. Gen. Avi Blot, having attempted to block Winter's discharge from the IDF on multiple occasions.
Tensions escalated after Channel 13 reported that Netanyahu had ordered attacks against Winter, leading Likud officials to accuse Winter and Avigdor Lieberman of planning to join the left wing after the elections. Winter fired back during an activist conference in Rishon LeZion, criticizing verbal attacks from coalition members and stressing that his party represents IDF reservists and families affected by the October 7 massacre.
"They want to take me down? We are strong like a fist," Winter declared at the conference. "These are not quotes about eliminating Sinwar or Nasrallah; these are quotes from ministers and Knesset members against people who fought hundreds of days of reserve duty in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria."
Likud's Response and Warnings from Party Members
Likud quickly dismissed Winter's remarks as absolute falsehoods, demanding a retraction and threatening a libel lawsuit. Meanwhile, several senior Likud figures, including Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Energy Minister Eli Cohen, previously warned that opening a hostile front against Winter is a tactical mistake that could cost the right-wing bloc the election.
As the electoral deadline approaches, Winter maintains his refusal to merge with Likud, insisting on running independently despite warnings from Netanyahu's camp that public polls are misleading and that young voters remain loyal to the ruling party.
