New Israeli party backs Netanyahu, demands Haredi draft changes

Former IDF General Ofer Winter has launched a new political party, "People of Israel," firmly planting it within the right-wing bloc and declaring its sole support for Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister. Winter stated his party "does not work for any person, only for the people of Israel," but emphasized that "the leader of the right-wing camp is Netanyahu, and we will only recommend him."

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We do not work for any person, only for the people of Israel. We are in the right-wing camp, the leader of the right-wing camp is Netanyahu, and we will only recommend him.

The party also addresses the contentious issue of Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox) military service, with Winter asserting that Haredim will be integrated into the IDF regardless of "activist" support. "With the haredi activists or without them, we will not dance to anyone's tune," he declared. Winter's platform also advocates for voluntary emigration from Gaza, stating, "There will be a decision here, not containment." He further criticized the current Public Diplomacy Ministry, promising "real public diplomacy for the benefit of the State of Israel."

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with the haredi activists or without them, we will not dance to anyone's tune.

Political observers estimate Winter is positioning himself for the defense minister role, with his party's messaging likely to focus on security and changes to Haredi military service. The "People of Israel" party aims to attract right-wing voters disillusioned with the current government. Some of its potential support may come from voters who previously considered or supported parties led by Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Liberman.

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There will be a decision here, not containment.

Despite his right-wing alignment, Winter clarified that he does not support Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister. He intends for his party to join a broad right-wing government. The party's launch ahead of the upcoming Israeli general elections signals a new contender in the political landscape, particularly on issues of national security and religious-military integration.

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There will be real public diplomacy for the benefit of the State of Israel, what was will not be.