Full Breakdown
Ofer Winter Launches Amcha Yisrael, a New Right-Wing Party Ahead of the October 27 Election
8/26/2026, 7:45:38 AM
Core Event: Launch of Amcha Yisrael
On October 7 former Givati Brigade commander Brig. Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter launched the political party Amcha Yisrael (“People of Israel”) at Jerusalem’s Shalva Center. The slate includes Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad, former Jerusalem deputy mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, reservists, bereaved relatives of October 7 victims, and other civil-society figures. Winter framed the October 27 parliamentary election as a referendum on Israel’s security doctrine.
Background & Context
The party’s formation follows the October 7 Hamas attack, which Winter says exposed a failure of prior security policy. He argues Israel must abandon “containment” and adopt a proactive, pre-emptive stance. The launch occurs amid growing fragmentation on the Israeli right, where several small parties seek dissatisfied voters.
Key Figures & Groups
- Ofer Winter – former Givati Brigade commander and former military secretary to defense ministers.
- Yoseph Haddad – Arab-Israeli Christian activist, former Golani Brigade fighter, slated for the public-diplomacy portfolio.
- Fleur Hassan-Nahoum – former deputy mayor of Jerusalem.
- Lali Deri – mother of fallen IDF soldier Saadia Deri, vocal on conscription and Sephardi identity.
- Sigal Kraunik-Atia – widow of Be’eri security coordinator killed on October 7, advocate for border-community security.
- Eran Ben-Ari – lawyer and former Defense Ministry official.
- Col. (res.) Eli Gino – former commander of the Givati reconnaissance battalion.
Official Statements & Responses
Winter said Amcha Yisrael will pursue a “more aggressive security doctrine,” calling for pre-emptive action and broader IDF service, including increased Haredi enlistment. He rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state and advocated for “migration from Gaza” as a solution.
Haddad announced his intention to become Israel’s first Arab public-diplomacy minister and to sit on the security cabinet, emphasizing representation of Arab citizens.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that splinter right-wing parties could “burn” votes and enable the left to form a government, urging voters to avoid small parties.
Criticism & Opposition
Netanyahu cautioned that voting for new right-wing parties like Amcha Yisrael would split the bloc, potentially handing power to opposition parties and risking a “fascist regime” if the left formed government.
Data & Statistics
The slate combines representatives from three sectors: military (Winter, Gino), civil society (Haddad, Hassan-Nahoum), and bereaved families (Kraunik-Atia, Deri). No polling figures are provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The upcoming election is a referendum,” — Ofer Winter
- “We are a clear and unequivocal part of the right-wing camp,” — Ofer Winter
- “It is time for a proud Arab Israeli to sit there, someone who understands the enemy and how it thinks, who lives the Middle Eastern mentality,” — Yoseph Haddad
- “This election will be decided by every vote.” — Benjamin Netanyahu
What’s Next
Amcha Yisrael will contest the October 27 election, positioning itself as a right-wing alternative to the existing Likud-led coalition. Winter has indicated a desire to assume the defense portfolio if his party joins the governing coalition.
