Behind the scenes: How Netanyahu's attempt to get Winter to withdraw failed

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to persuade Ofer Winter, chairman of the Amcha Yisrael party, to withdraw from the Knesset race have failed. Netanyahu approached rabbis close to Winter to convince him, but some refused and even expressed support for Winter. Rabbi Binyahu Shmueli asked to receive the request in writing, and Rabbi David Abuchatzeira did not oppose Winter. Rabbi Eli Sadan, who spoke with Netanyahu last week, published a recording of support for Winter. Winter did not withdraw, and it remains unclear whether his party will pass the electoral threshold.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates made last-minute attempts to persuade Ofer Winter, chairman of the Amcha Yisrael party, to withdraw from the Knesset race, but failed. Netanyahu approached rabbis close to Winter to convince him to step down, but some refused and even expressed support for him. In one attempt, Netanyahu called Rabbi Binyahu Shmueli, who declined to meet with him and only had a brief phone conversation, at the end of which he asked the government to provide the request in writing. After the call, Winter arrived at the rabbi's home and the two prayed together. An approach to Rabbi David Abuchatzeira also failed. Rabbi Eli Sadan, who spoke with Netanyahu last week, published a recording of support for Winter. Winter did not withdraw, and it remains uncertain whether his party will pass the electoral threshold.