Jerusalem Post/Israel Election 2026Former IDF general Ofer Winter positioned his new party firmly in the right-wing camp, backing Netanyahu and calling for changes to haredi draft policy.Follow us on Google The launch of the new Amcha Yisrael party, led by Ofer Winter, ahead of the upcoming Israeli general elections, in Jerusalem, August 25, 2026. (photo credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)ByAVI SOLOMONAUGUST 27, 2026 21:13People of Israel party chairman Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter said on Thursday that he would only recommend Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister.In a video he shared, Winter addressed questions about whether he is aligned with "Bibi," saying, "We do not work for any person, only for the people of Israel." He added, "We are in the right-wing camp, the leader of the right-wing camp is Netanyahu, and we will only recommend him."Winter also said that haredim (Ultra-Orthodox) will be integrated into the IDF, saying, "with the haredi activists or without them, we will not dance to anyone's tune." He said there would be voluntary emigration from Gaza rather than only the establishment of an emigration administration, adding, "There will be a decision here, not containment."He also criticized the Public Diplomacy Ministry, saying, "There will be real public diplomacy for the benefit of the State of Israel, what was will not be."A protester shouts at former IDF Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter during a demonstration against an IDF recruitment conference for the Haredi community in Jerusalem, August 4, 2026. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)Winter seeking defense minister position?Following the launch of the People of Israel party, political officials estimate that Winter is seeking the position of defense minister and that his messages will focus on security issues and changing policy surrounding haredi military service.The party is seeking support, among others, from right-wing voters who have become disappointed with the current government. According to sources familiar with assessments conducted around the party, some of its potential support could also come from voters who considered or voted for parties associated with Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Liberman.At the same time, Winter made clear that he does not want Eisenkot to serve as prime minister and that he intends to join a right-wing government, provided it is as broad as possible.Follow us on Google