Winter vs. Meretz
The article compares Netanyahu's dilemma regarding Ofer Winter's candidacy in the 2026 elections to Meretz's situation in 2022, analyzing the implications for the right-wing bloc and the opposition.
Amir Ettinger's article on ynet compares Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political dilemma regarding the candidacy of Brig. Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter at the head of the "Amcha" party to Meretz's situation in the 2022 elections. The author argues that Winter's entry into the race presents Netanyahu with a problem: if he attacks Winter, he may burn two mandates; if he refrains, he risks endangering Smotrich's Religious Zionism. The central parallel is that Meretz in 2022 fell below the electoral threshold due to Lapid's "big party" campaign, which handed victory to the national camp. Meanwhile, the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot stands at four parties with surplus agreements, similar to the structure with which Netanyahu previously won. However, in the liberal camp, there is concern that Winter will serve as a dowry for Lieberman's demand for the premiership. Winter denies such a possibility and declares he will recommend only Netanyahu. The article notes that 41 days remain until the elections and everything is open.