Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter, a newcomer to Israeli politics, is positioning himself as a fresh alternative within the country’s right-wing landscape ahead of the upcoming elections. Winter, who has never served in the Knesset, leads the Amcha Yisrael (People of Israel) party, which aims to bring new voices into the political arena and challenge the dominance of established figures, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Winter’s campaign is rooted in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre carried out by Hamas, an event that intensified calls for political renewal in Israel. While some previously high-profile figures, such as former ministers Yoaz Hendel and Chili Tropper, have attempted to reshape the right-wing bloc by forming and dissolving new parties, Winter advocates a different approach. His party’s platform emphasizes recruiting fresh candidates, including immigrants, overseas advocates for Israel, and individuals personally affected by the conflict.
Israel’s electoral system is based on party lists, with the formation of government typically relying on coalitions controlling at least 61 of the 120 Knesset seats. Small parties in such coalitions often leverage their support to negotiate ministerial appointments and policy influence. Winter has expressed his ambition to become defense minister, but first, he must secure enough electoral support to gain representation in the parliament.
In a recent interview conducted at his temporary offices in Jerusalem, Winter engaged directly with a diverse range of supporters, including ultra-Orthodox Jews, settlers, and secular Israelis. His approachable style and willingness to listen appeared to resonate across different segments of society. When questioned about potential alliances, Winter was clear that he had declined offers to join other parties, including a new small ultra-Orthodox faction advocating for military conscription reform.
“I don’t work for Netanyahu,” Winter told the interviewer emphatically, underscoring his independence from the prime minister and other entrenched political figures. He also acknowledged that his stance against Netanyahu may have cost him some voter support but maintained his commitment to what he described as genuine political renewal rather than seeking a guaranteed Knesset seat through established channels.
Winter’s efforts reflect broader tensions within Israel’s right-wing political bloc, which, despite calls for change following the Hamas attacks, remains largely influenced by familiar leaders. As the election approaches, Winter hopes his message of new leadership and responsiveness to a wide spectrum of Israelis will translate into electoral traction and eventually a role in shaping the country’s security policy.