Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed fury over former IDF general Ofer Winter's decision to run independently in the upcoming elections, according to a report by i24NEWS. Winter responded that he will not be deterred by threats, saying the right must offer a compelling alternative rather than scare tactics. Separately, the Blue and White party warned that voting for Winter's 'Yashar' slate would bring Israel closer to civil war.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich clashed Monday with former IDF general Ofer Winter over Winter's decision to run independently in the 2026 elections rather than join Smotrich's Religious Zionism party. According to i24NEWS, Smotrich reacted angrily, prompting Winter to respond that the right-wing camp must focus on offering voters a clear path, not internal intimidation. 'We won't descend into scare-mongering,' Winter said.
The exchange highlights the deepening divisions within Israel's right-wing bloc, which The Zioneer has documented in recent months. Earlier reports noted that National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and MK Avi Maoz have also opted for separate runs, with analysts warning that the fragmentation could cost the bloc several Knesset seats. In a related development, the opposition Blue and White party seized on the infighting, claiming that a vote for Winter's 'Yashar' slate would push Israel toward civil war.
No formal statement has been issued by Likud or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The electoral landscape remains volatile with parties still finalizing their slates ahead of the expected election date.
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