Ofer Winter stands with Yoseph Haddad – and Moshe Feiglin attacks: "We are fed up with generals"
Amha Yisrael party chairman Ofer Winter has defended Yoseph Haddad, emphasizing his leadership credentials. Meanwhile, Zehut leader Moshe Feiglin criticized Winter, stating that the public is "fed up with generals."
Chairman of the "Amha Yisrael" party, Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter, stood by Yoseph Haddad following the criticism against him published in various media outlets, and declared that Haddad is worthy of leading – even in the political arena. At the same time, "Zehut" chairman Moshe Feiglin attacked Winter and suggested he join his party.
Winter wrote that during his military service he commanded and fought alongside Druze, Bedouin, and Christian commanders and fighters, and emphasized that he never saw their identity as an obstacle to their leadership.
"When I fought under fire in Lebanon, in Gaza, and in the West Bank, I was commanded by, and I myself commanded, leaders, commanders, and fighters – Druze, Bedouin, and Christians," Winter wrote.
According to him, on the battlefield he followed his commander, Brigadier General (res.) Imad Fares, with faith, and trusted him "not to abandon me in the field."
Winter also mentioned a series of commanders and fighters from various communities, including Ahsan Daksa, Jalaa Ibrahim, Alim Saad, and Salman Habaka, who fought alongside IDF soldiers, some of whom fell in battle.
"They were worthy enough to be wounded and even fall for the country, they were worthy enough for us to follow them in battles, and they are worthy enough to lead," he wrote.
He later addressed Haddad directly: "Yoseph, my brother, you are 'Amha Yisrael' to the fullest." Winter added that he is proud of him for his service as a commander and leader of fighters in the Golani Brigade, for risking his life and being wounded in battle, and for his activity for Israel even after his military service.
However, at the same time, following the union between the parties of Moshe Feiglin and Bezalel Smotrich, the "Zehut" chairman attacked Winter in an interview with Army Radio (Galei Tzahal).
"We are fed up with generals," Feiglin said. "The fact that he is a man of many deeds in the army does not mean he heralds anything new." Nevertheless, Feiglin offered him to join "Zehut" and said: "To do so – he must join us. I am willing to give up the second spot on the list for him."
