Tensions Rise Between Hendel and Winter Over Surplus Vote Deal

A political dispute erupted between the Reshgam and Economic party, led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelecha, and the Amkha Yisrael party, led by Ofer Winter, regarding a potential surplus-vote agreement ahead of the elections. Hendel and Zelecha stated that an approach was made by Winter to sign the agreement, but without committing to their condition: joining a strictly Zionist government. Meanwhile, Winter's party strongly denied that any such approach had taken place.

The Third Bloc Controversy

Last week, Hendel called on Winter to join what he termed the third bloc, sign a surplus agreement, and together establish a blocking faction against governments including non-Zionist parties. According to the Reshgam and Economic party, after receiving an inquiry from Winter, they decided against signing the agreement unless his party pledged not to sit in a government with ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties.

We see Winter as a worthy person and a potential partner, but as long as he does not commit to sitting only in a Zionist government, we will not put our voters at risk of having their votes go to Netanyahu's bloc with the ultra-Orthodox parties, stated the Reshgam and Economic party.

Mutual Accusations

Amkha Yisrael strongly rejected the claims, stating that no outreach was made to Hendel and Zelecha's faction. The party lashed out at Hendel and Zelecha, criticizing their political history and past alliances.

"Yoaz Hendel, who has moved through eight parties in the past decade and formed a government with Mansour Abbas, and Yaron Zelecha, who is a Meretz supporter, will not lecture newcomers who came to clean up despicable old politics," Amkha Yisrael responded. The party dismissed the dispute as a delusional and false spin by old-school politicians who they claim will not cross the electoral threshold.