Ofer Winter does not pass the electoral threshold - this is the proposal on the table

Negotiations are underway between Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter and the Religious Zionism party, against the backdrop of the party's primaries and the battle for the list for the 26th Knesset. Prime Minister Netanyahu is pushing for unification, but Winter demands the first spot and threatens an independent run. The party clarifies: the door is not closed to a reserved slot for Winter, but he will not receive the party leadership.

Behind the scenes, negotiations are taking place between Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter and the Religious Zionism party, against the backdrop of the primaries being held today in the party. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressuring Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Winter to unite, after clarifying that according to polls, neither has a chance separately. Netanyahu initially thought that Smotrich should vacate his place for Winter, but following the party's stability in polls – which went from not passing the electoral threshold to consistently passing – the party clarifies that Winter is invited to join and even receive a reserved slot, but not the first spot. Winter demands the leadership and is aiming for an independent run. Meanwhile, the primaries are taking place with ten candidates, including current Knesset members and new candidates. Smotrich reserved the second spot for Zvika Mor, father of a hostage, but Winter may take his place if he joins. Netanyahu is expected to renew pressure after the primaries.