Full Breakdown
Ofer Winter’s “People of Israel” Party Seeks to Redefine the Right Ahead of the 2026 Elections
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Winter’s Election Pitch and Party Positioning
Former IDF brigadier-general Ofer Winter presented the People of Israel (Amcha Yisrael) party as a vehicle for “new people” to reshape Israel’s right-wing bloc. He emphasized that his slate would recruit parliamentary newcomers—including recent immigrants, diaspora advocates, and families directly affected by the war—and that the party would pursue the Defense Ministry if it secured enough Knesset seats. Winter rejected offers to join other right-wing lists, insisting on an independent platform capable of bargaining for ministries and policy changes.
Background & Context
The demand for political renewal after the October 7 attack was central to Winter’s pitch. Existing right-wing parties, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, faced criticism for perceived failures in the lead-up to that event, prompting calls for fresh leadership. Winter positioned his party as a bridge between religious and secular Israelis, aiming to attract voters disillusioned with the current government while preserving Israel’s Jewish character.
Key Figures & Groups
- Ofer Winter — former IDF Givati commander, People of Israel party chairman.
- Yoseph Haddad — Arab-Christian veteran, slated for public-diplomacy minister.
- Bezalel Smotrich — Finance Minister, leader of the Religious Zionist Party (pressured Winter to merge).
- Gadi Eisenkot — former IDF chief of staff, leader of the Yashar slate (potential coalition partner).
- Avigdor Liberman — head of Yisrael Beyteinu, critic of Winter’s proposals.
- Yair Golan — chair of The Democrats party, also critical of Winter’s stance.
Timeline
- September 17, 2026 – Winter spoke with The Jerusalem Post from a temporary office in Jerusalem, outlining his party’s platform and fielding questions from a cross-section of Israelis.
Data & Statistics
Winter projected a “double-digit” seat tally for People of Israel, aiming to draw support from Likud, other right-wing factions, centrist voters, and first-time electors. With the Knesset’s 120 seats, a coalition requires at least 61 seats; Winter’s goal is to become a kingmaker by securing a pivotal share of the vote.
Official Statements & Responses
He differentiated military and Shin Bet shortcomings from political accountability, arguing that systemic issues had developed over a decade. Regarding defense policy, Winter called for a shift “from containment to decisive victory,” proposing greater benefits for combat and reserve service, tighter oversight of religious schools, and accommodations for haredi soldiers. He also announced plans to establish a public-diplomacy ministry headed by Haddad to counter “blood libel” narratives abroad. Winter stressed that his party would not be swayed by pressure from Smotrich or Netanyahu and that his list reflects the diversity of Israeli society, including religious, secular, Jewish, Arab and Druze communities.
Criticism & Opposition
Avigdor Liberman rebuked Winter, claiming the entire government, including the prime minister, bears responsibility for the October 7 tragedy and accusing Winter of “hypocrisy” and “sanctimony.” Liberman also warned that Winter’s reliance on senior partners such as Gadi Eisenkot would not deliver a decisive victory.
Yair Golan’s party chair criticized Winter’s rhetoric, labeling him “messianic and unworthy” for reciting the Shema before battle in Gaza, and warned that such attitudes could endanger Israel’s democratic fabric.
What’s Next
Winter’s party must clear the electoral threshold to enter the Knesset and then negotiate coalition terms. If successful, it could leverage its seat count to demand the Defense Ministry and influence the government’s approach to military service, religious accommodation, and public diplomacy.