Retired IDF Colonel Ofer Vinter is set to unveil his new political party this coming Tuesday, and sources have revealed that his candidate list will consist entirely of political newcomers, no one who has previously served in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, will be included.
The decision goes beyond mere optics, representing a foundational principle: presenting an alternative of individuals coming from outside the political system. The slate will include both men and women, secular and religious Jews, as well as non-Jewish citizens, with the goal of building a Zionist, populist-security party that appeals to broad segments of Israeli society.
Vinter's primary target audience is right-wing voters who are reluctant to support the current coalition parties, particularly in the wake of the October 7th attacks and ongoing debates surrounding the military draft law. According to most polls, existing right-wing players,including Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Likud, have been unable to win back most of these voters independently.
Vinter therefore aims to present new figures who are already known to the Israeli public. Reports indicate that advanced discussions are underway with prominent figures in the right-wing camp, including senior advocacy activist Yoseph Haddad and Lali Darai, mother of the late Staff Sergeant Saadia Darai.
