Ofer Winter Rejects Withdrawal Calls and Outlines Right-Wing Platform

Two days before the 26th Knesset elections, Brig. Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter, chairman of the Amcha Yisrael party, addressed criticism from the right-wing bloc in a radio interview on 103fm. Rejecting calls to withdraw from the race, Winter stressed that his movement represents a distinct right-wing alternative committed to decisive victory and strategic change in the Middle East.

Responding to pressure and attacks from political rivals, Winter dismissed accusations that he might join a left-wing coalition, comparing the idea to abandoning core religious values. He stated that he would not form a government with Mansour Abbas or Yair Golan, emphasizing his ideological commitment to the right.

Addressing the contentious issue of military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, Winter ruled out any compromise that would preserve the current system. He stated that he rejects political dictates and advocates for a service law based on reciprocity, declaring that state benefits should be tied to national service and firmly asserting that he does not view Yitzhak Goldknopf as a partner in a future coalition.

Winter also called for broader political unity following the election, inviting figures such as Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman to join a wide right-wing government to tackle upcoming national security challenges. He criticized right-wing campaigns urging voters not to split the vote, arguing that his new party is essential to securing a genuine right-wing majority and preventing alternative center-left configurations.

Concluding his remarks, Winter outlined his hardline platform on national security and sovereignty, calling for the full application of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and the formal annulment of the Oslo Accords to ensure Israel's long-term security.