Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter, chairman of the People of Israel party, issued a stark warning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding his conditional support ahead of Israel’s upcoming political developments. In a Saturday interview on Channel 12’s Meet the Press, Winter emphasized that his backing hinges on Netanyahu meeting specific demands related to the conflict in Gaza and internal political arrangements.
Winter outlined that Netanyahu must secure a decisive military victory in Gaza and facilitate the relocation of Gaza’s population, a move Winter argues is necessary to counter the tactics of Hamas. “Hamas prepared this war for the built-up area, because it knew it couldn't stop the State of Israel,” Winter said. He suggested that separating Gaza’s civilian population from combatants is crucial to avoid accusations of “genocide” and to ensure Israel’s military efforts are not hindered by international pressure.
In addition to the military objectives, Winter called for legislative measures concerning the ultra-Orthodox community. He insisted on the passage of a law requiring haredi citizens to align with United Torah Judaism’s Yitzhak Goldknopf regarding his party’s 61st Knesset seat. Winter stressed he respects the Torah scholars but expressed firm opposition to Goldknopf’s influence, stating, “With Goldknopf, this won’t happen, and we won’t allow it.”
Addressing his political stance, Winter declared he would refuse to join any government that does not pursue these goals. He warned Netanyahu, “If not, then I’m telling you, Bibi can kiss my ass,” underscoring that his loyalty is to his party’s principles and not to any individual politician.
Winter also criticized the government proposal put forth by Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot, labeling it “a danger to the State of Israel” due to the participation of Democrats party head Yair Golan and Arab members. He described a previous conversation with Eisenkot where he articulated his plan for Gaza’s population relocation and reiterated his disqualification of Golan from leadership roles, saying, “I disqualify Yair Golan.”
Continuing his election campaign vigorously, Winter described himself as a fighter unwilling to abandon his cause midway. “I don’t stop a fight in the middle, and I will say more than that: I have never abandoned my fighters,” he affirmed, signaling a commitment to his political agenda as Israel approaches critical elections.