The strategy that will decide the elections: Why Netanyahu must embrace Ofer Winter

An opinion article by Dr. Nissim Katz argues that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must change his election strategy and embrace the "Amcha" party led by Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter, instead of trying to crush it. According to the author, Winter brings a unique electoral asset that connects the state-security right with the religious right, and his growth increases the overall pie of the right-wing bloc instead of consuming internal forces. Netanyahu faces a strategic test of leadership.

An opinion article by Dr. Nissim Katz, published in Maariv, argues that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must change his traditional election strategy and embrace the "Amcha" party led by Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter. The author warns that the natural fear in Likud of new political initiatives from the right is a serious optical illusion in Winter's case, as he brings an exceptional electoral asset not found in Likud or Religious Zionism. Winter, he says, serves as a connecting link between the state-security right and the religious and traditional right, speaking the language of fighters and military heroism. The author warns that many of Winter's supporters may stay home out of despair or drift to the center, leading to the loss of tens of thousands of right-wing votes. The potential of "Amcha" could be the surprise of the elections, and its growth increases the overall pie of the bloc instead of consuming internal forces. The presence of a decorated combat commander provides broad public tailwind and presents a value-based national alternative that is not extreme. The author states that Netanyahu faces a supreme strategic test: breaking the old pattern of crushing political partners is the key to the right's victory. Winter is not an obstacle, but the key to decision.