In a significant shift in Israeli politics, Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter has launched a new political party, People of Israel, placing the contentious issue of ultra-Orthodox (haredi) conscription at the forefront of its agenda. This development marks a notable change as haredi conscription had traditionally been championed by the secular center-left and left-wing parties for decades. Winter, accompanied by a bereaved mother from the settlement of Eli, has positioned the conscription debate within a right-wing political context, signaling evolving political alignments following the October 7 attacks and their aftermath.

Winter’s party embodies a broader realignment within Israeli political and social spheres. The state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks, once a central opposition demand, is now being advocated by figures associated with the political Right. In addition, the People of Israel party includes individuals such as Yoseph Haddad, an Arab Christian and wounded Golani veteran, aiming to become the first Arab member of Israel’s security cabinet. The list reflects a mix of secular and religious members, with a focus on issues like reserve military service and bereavement influencing political credentials.

This political reshuffling reflects a broader phenomenon described as a “reshuffle” among Israeli Jews, particularly following the trauma of October 7. Many voters, even in traditionally right-leaning areas such as Gush Etzion, find themselves uncertain about longstanding political loyalties, with some considering alternatives outside their usual affiliations. Residents report discussions in daily life revealing doubts around established parties and candidates, suggesting a fragmented electorate.

Immigrant voices from Western countries appear to be gaining more direct political engagement through Winter’s party. Candidates such as Laly Dery, a French immigrant and bereaved mother, along with Efraan Nahum from Gibraltar and journalist Natali Shem Tov, bring perspectives shaped by experiences abroad where religion and state are largely separate. This trend contrasts with the limited roles immigrants from Western countries have traditionally held within Israeli party lists, highlighting an emerging dynamic within Israeli political life.

Despite these shifts, data from two polls released simultaneously show significant disagreement over Winter’s electoral impact and overall party performance, reflecting challenges in capturing voter intentions amid ongoing political volatility. One research firm attributes 60% of Winter’s support to voters moving between established right-wing parties—Likud, Religious Zionist Party, and Otzma Yehudit—while the remaining 40% includes voters previously undecided or expressing support for as-yet-unnamed parties. This complexity illustrates the difficulty pollsters face in predicting outcomes during a fluid campaign environment.

Within the political establishment, resistance to Winter is evident. Benny Biton, mayor of Dimona and a Likud member, publicly criticized Winter for declining a reserved spot on Likud’s party list. Biton described the refusal as stemming from dissatisfaction with the current government’s handling of recent security failures. Nevertheless, Biton also suggested ongoing cooperation between Winter and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pointing to a pragmatic approach despite public tensions.

The current political landscape underscores an erosion of traditional ideological and community-based divisions that have organized Israeli and broader Jewish life for decades. The fluidity in party affiliations and voter behavior highlights a political system in transition, with uncertainty about future alignments persisting as election day approaches. In this context, the emergence of Winter’s People of Israel party signals both new political priorities and the challenges of navigating post-conflict national identity and security concerns.