Former IDF general Ofer Winter said Wednesday evening at a press conference that he will not join any government that does not pass a law ending draft evasion before its formation. He added that new political alliances will only be made with 'new people who are not tainted by October 7.' Winter accused opponents of trying to dismantle him and intimidate a public tired of old politics, asserting 'it won't work.'
Maj. Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter, who has been laying groundwork for a political run over recent months, set firm conditions for future coalition participation during a press conference Wednesday evening. He said he will not join any government that does not enact, before its formation, legislation ending military draft exemptions — an issue long contested in Israeli politics and a flashpoint between secular and Haredi parties. Winter also signaled openness to new political partnerships, but only with figures he described as untainted by the October 7, 2023 attack and the pre-war failures. "They are trying to dismantle us and frighten the public that is sick of old politics — it won't work," he said.
The remarks come as Winter continues to distance himself from established political parties. The Zioneer has previously reported his statements against joining existing parties and his plans to draw voters from current right-wing lawmakers. Wednesday's press conference appears to sharpen the conditions for any future coalition he would participate in, with a legislative demand that targets the long-standing draft-exemption system. Winter characterized his approach as a break from "those tainted by October 7," though he did not name specific individuals. It remains unclear which parties or potential allies he is in talks with, if any, and whether his conditions will gain traction in the current political landscape.
2 developments
- StrongWinter associates: He will serve only under Netanyahu, in broader coalition without Haredim as '61st finger'
- StrongGantz vows to pass conscription law before any government is sworn in
- DevelopingOfer Winter's associates renew calls for him to unite with Smotrich or Netanyahu
- DevelopingMK Oded Forer calls on Netanyahu to bring conscription law to vote, questions PM's intentions
Source and signal
- Open-source intake