Former IDF Brigadier General Ofer Winter, chairman of the Amcha Yisrael party, declared Wednesday that he will not withdraw from Israel’s upcoming elections in exchange for a government position, rejecting an offer from Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich and accusing political rivals of attempting to pressure his party out of the race.

In a public statement, Winter insisted that his political movement was established to bring meaningful change rather than secure government appointments.

“I heard Smotrich, who previously falsely claimed that he offered me the top spot in his party, offering me another position this evening in a government that hasn’t even been formed yet,” Winter said.

“Friends, you’ve got it wrong. We didn’t come for a job, as you’ve become accustomed to. We came to make changes. We came to lead the way.”

Winter reaffirmed his identification with Israel’s political right, pointing to his 34 years of military service as evidence of his longstanding positions.

“From the first day, I said we are part of the right-wing camp. I haven’t changed my positions in 34 years of service in the IDF, and I have no intention of changing them today,” he said.

However, Winter made clear that his party would not automatically support another government led by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

“There will be no blank check here,” he declared. “I said yes, and I said but. If they deliver, they’ll get our support. If they don’t deliver, they won’t.”

Among Winter’s demands is legislation granting greater recognition and benefits to Israelis serving in the military, particularly combat soldiers, alongside policies aimed at achieving a decisive victory in Gaza and encouraging voluntary emigration from the territory.

Winter also categorically ruled out joining a government headed by left-wing politician Yair Golan.

“We will not take our votes and establish a government with Yair Golan. That will never happen,” he said.

At the same time, Winter took aim at the influence of Chareidi political parties, arguing that a strong Amcha Yisrael faction could allow Netanyahu to establish a broader right-wing government without depending on United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzchak Goldknopf and other political power brokers.

Winter also leveled serious allegations regarding the campaign against his newly established party.

He claimed that party candidates and their children have been harassed, private investigators have been dispatched to follow them, pressure has been placed on rabbonim, and even a Pulsa Denura ceremony was conducted against a mother who lost a child in the war.

The allegations were presented by Winter without independent evidence in the statement.

“From the moment we said we deserve more — for those who serve, for young people, for soldiers, for the periphery — an ugly and unimaginable campaign was directed against us, primarily from within our own camp,” he said.

“That is yesterday’s politics. We will not surrender to it.”

Winter also addressed voters who support his positions but are concerned that his party might fail to cross the electoral threshold, urging them not to be influenced by campaigns questioning its viability.

“Don’t believe the scare tactics. Don’t believe the fake news and blatant lies,” he said.

“If you believe in us, not only will we cross the threshold, but we will have tremendous power to change what truly matters to you.”

Concluding his remarks, Winter addressed soldiers and reservists supporting his campaign.

“I have never abandoned my people, and we will do everything to be worthy of the tremendous trust you are placing in us. You are the reason we entered politics.”

Winter’s refusal comes amid efforts by established right-wing parties to consolidate their electoral support ahead of the elections, with his decision to remain in the race adding another dimension to the competition for right-wing voters.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)