The political debut of retired Major General Ofer Winter continues to generate reactions across Israel's political landscape. In a recent interview with journalists Moriah Asraf and Eyal Berkowitz, former Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot addressed whether Winter could serve in senior positions in a future government he might lead, offering a qualified response.
When asked directly if Winter could become defense minister under his leadership, Eisenkot gave an unequivocal answer: "No." He elaborated on his reasoning, saying, "I think Ofer Winter is a good field commander, but he was never in the strategic-systemic command level of the military and did not serve in senior positions."
The comments come as Winter's entry into politics sparks public discussion about what roles the former general might fill in Israel's security and political establishment going forward. Eisenkot heads the Yesh party, which he formed after leaving the government and military service.
