Ofer Winter Declares Bid for Defense Minister, Criticizes Netanyahu and IDF Leadership
Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter announced his bid for defense minister, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military brass over strategy in Gaza while outlining his political platform.
Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter, leader of the "Am Yisrael" party, has declared his intention to become Israel's next defense minister, launching sharp criticisms against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country's military leadership over their handling of the war in Gaza.
In a comprehensive interview with Dana Weiss on "Weekend News", Winter addressed his transition from the military to politics, the controversies surrounding his service, and his vision for Israel's security. Winter rejected claims that he sowed demoralization prior to the ground offensive in Gaza, asserting instead that he presented clear operational alternatives to leadership.
Critique of Military Strategy and October 7
Winter did not hold back in his assessment of the security establishment's preconceptions leading up to the October 7 massacres. He claimed that Prime Minister Netanyahu acted passively and accepted the flawed strategies pushed by top generals.
Netanyahu is a type of sucker who accepts the system's concept. He doesn't demand from people what he wants to do... The military wanted to storm in, and I told him that storming in is a stupid way to fight.
Winter maintained that he presented a detailed plan to isolate and blockade urban centers rather than engaging in costly frontal assaults, while also advocating from the outset for the emigration of Gazans as a strategic necessity.
Political Ambitions and Coalition Posture
Looking ahead to the upcoming Knesset elections, Winter positioned his newly formed party as a vital alternative for right-wing voters disillusioned with the current governance. When questioned about potential coalition partners, Winter stated he would not sit in a government led by figures like Benny Gantz or Yair Lapid, but remained open to negotiating with ultra-Orthodox factions under strict conditions regarding military enlistment.
Winter also revealed troubling incidents since entering politics, including private investigators sent to his home, vowing that external pressures and online campaigns will not deter his political run.
