Netanyahu's new attempt to get Vinter to withdraw

Netanyahu's associates approached Rabbi Beniahu Shmueli, whom Vinter consults, in an attempt to persuade him to get Vinter to withdraw from the race. The rabbi refused, saying: "I don't get involved in politics." This followed a failed attempt with Rabbi Eli Sadan. From 'Amcha Yisrael' it was stated: "We will not say 'amen' to everything Netanyahu says."

In an attempt to get the chairman of the 'Amcha Yisrael' party, Ofer Vinter, to withdraw from the Knesset race, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's associates approached another senior rabbi that Vinter regularly consults with - Rabbi Beniahu Shmueli. The approach, revealed on 'Ulpan Shishi', was intended to convince the rabbi to pressure Vinter to withdraw, but the rabbi politely refused, saying: "I don't get involved in politics." Another phone call may take place, but the rabbi made it clear he would not call on Vinter to withdraw. This followed a failed attempt by Netanyahu and Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich to approach Rabbi Eli Sadan, Vinter's former rabbi, in a similar effort. From the 'Amcha Yisrael' party, a response was issued: "We have endured every possible pressure campaign from Netanyahu. We will not say 'amen' to everything he says like Smotrich and Ben Gvir, and apparently that's what bothers him about us." Netanyahu and Smotrich's associates say the meeting with Rabbi Sadan also took place due to internal polls indicating growing concern that Vinter will not pass the electoral threshold.