‘I don’t work for Netanyahu': Ofer Winter can be Israel's next kingmaker – interview

Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter, a former Givati commander, is campaigning for the Knesset with his new party, Amcha Yisrael (People of Israel), aiming to become a “kingmaker” in a future government. Winter, who left the military after being passed over for promotion, seeks to bring new faces into Israeli politics, including immigrants and individuals affected by the October 7 attacks. He emphasizes his independence, stating, “I don't work for Netanyahu. I don't work for anyone.”

• Winter's platform includes demanding the Defense Ministry, changing military doctrine from “containment to decisive victory,” and implementing a new military service law that offers greater benefits for those who serve and integrates ultra-Orthodox individuals into the military.
• His diverse party list includes Yoseph Haddad, an Arab Christian advocate for Israel, and individuals whose families were impacted by the war, aiming to appeal to a broad range of voters, including younger Israelis and reservists.
• While acknowledging Prime Minister Netanyahu's responsibility for the October 7 failures, Winter aims to influence policy from within a government, refusing to merge with existing right-wing parties.
• He advocates for the “voluntary emigration” of Gaza's population and a strategy that separates civilians from Hamas while striking the organization with full force, asserting, “Our soldiers come before enemy civilians.”