Shani Louk's Father Withdraws from Knesset Race, Backs Ofer Winter
Nissim Louk, father of the late Shani Louk, has withdrawn from the Knesset race and endorsed Ofer Winter, sharply criticizing the Trump-Netanyahu 20-point plan for post-war Gaza.
Following Benny Gantz's withdrawal from the Knesset race, Nissim Louk, chairman of the Orot HaShachar party and father of the late Shani Louk, has announced his own withdrawal and his unconditional support for Ofer Winter. In an official statement, Louk's party confirmed that he will now assist the leader of the Amcha Yisrael Party in promoting his political platform.
Concerns Over Post-War Gaza
In an interview with Channel 14, Louk explained his decision, focusing on the 20-point plan proposed by Donald Trump and supported by Benjamin Netanyahu. Louk criticized current humanitarian aid flows into Gaza City, arguing that reconstruction efforts jeopardize Israel's security.
"The problem is this: I went south several times to count the trucks entering Gaza. There are 400 trucks coming in with equipment to establish a Palestinian state. I followed them and photographed them," Louk stated.
Opposition to the Trump-Netanyahu Plan
Louk argued that no party other than Winter's advocates for the emigration of Gazans, which he views as essential. He condemned the 20-point plan as a "bullet to the head of the people of Israel," pointing to provisions regarding a phased IDF withdrawal and potential steps toward Palestinian statehood.
Louk also revealed that he had originally hoped to unite smaller right-wing factions into a single bloc at his home, with figures including Moshe Feiglin and Dedi Simhi, but the initiative collapsed after political realignments.
Winter Rejects Pressure to Withdraw
Louk's withdrawal comes amid intense pressure on smaller parties to drop out. Bezalel Smotrich and Benjamin Netanyahu recently met with Rabbi Eli Sadan to urge Ofer Winter to withdraw, but Winter has refused, vowing to continue his campaign until the end.
