Eisenkot took a jab at Winter, who responded: 'I am proud that I was not under your command'

Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter published a sharp response today, Wednesday, against Minister and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, following the latter's remarks. Winter emphasized that he has no intention of joining a government led by Eisenkot and leveled harsh criticism at him regarding the building of military power in recent years and the security concept he led.

In his remarks, Winter addressed the conceptual gaps between him and Eisenkot. The chairman of the "Amha Yisrael" party noted that he had opposed for years the containment and regulation policy led by the former Chief of Staff. He directed direct criticism at Eisenkot's strategic judgment, especially regarding appointments in the IDF's top brass, and explicitly mentioned Yair Golan, Aharon Haliva, and Herzi Halevi.

"If this is the meaning of the strategic command you are talking about, I am proud that I was not part of it," Winter clarified.

Furthermore, Winter presented the policy he will lead in the political system, which he said will include new people with different security concepts. He pledged to work for a rapid victory, promote voluntary emigration, and ensure that IDF soldiers receive priority over enemy citizens in any scenario.

The exchange of words follows an interview that Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar" party, gave to Moriah Asraf and Eyal Berkovic. During the interview, Eisenkot ruled out the possibility that Winter would serve as Defense Minister in a future government he would form. He explained that while Winter is a good field commander, he never took part in the systemic and strategic command of the army and did not hold senior positions. The establishment of Winter's party continues to cause ripples in the political system, as both figures, graduates of the military system, present a conflicting vision for managing the security campaign.