Ofer Winter, chairman of the Amach Yisrael party, addressed the briefings against him and his party at his party's conference in Rishon LeZion this evening (Tuesday) - and went on the attack against the Likud and Avigdor Lieberman.
Winter said: "We are in the Ten Days of Repentance and it is precisely during these days that I hear harsh statements. 'It needs to be dismantled, it needs to be taken down, it's time to eliminate it.'".
He said, "These are quotes from ministers, Knesset members or Knesset candidates in the Likud against a person who a minute and a half ago pressed to reserve for their list. Me and also many of my friends for the Amach Yisrael list.".
Winter referred to the composition of his list and mentioned the reservists and fighters in it, along with those who lost their loved ones on October 7. "You want to 'take them down'?" he asked,
He added and claimed that the massacre was caused "as a result of years of reckless policy by the military and political echelons - not by fate.".
Winter later criticized Netanyahu's entourage: "Unfortunately, the prime minister's associates and advisors are giving him bad advice. They are disconnected from the field. They do not understand the situation in the right-wing camp and are being fooled by fictitious polls presented to them by vested interests who imprison the right in a concept as if victory is in their pocket.".
Winter wondered why the Likud is attacking his party, if according to the polls they rely on, a majority can be achieved even without him. "You are presenting to Netanyahu and the public that there are 64 seats without me - so what did we expect? If victory is in your pocket - then what do you want, what did I do wrong to you?
""I tell you - attacking 'your people Israel' is a glorious own goal, and whoever scores it will take responsibility for his actions and the consequences for the entire people of Israel.".
Winter further claimed that attempts were made to harm the party and its people: "They tried to unite and unite us, they tried and are trying to go over our heads, they tried to break us up, they tried to threaten us, they sent private investigators, they sent hate messages to my phones and those of all party members - we are here.".
He emphasized: "All of us. Strong as one fist and most of all, not afraid - not of threats, not of intimidation. Yes, there are people here who cannot be bought, and that will be the case in the next government as well.".
The Likud responded harshly: "A complete lie. We demand that Winter retract the false and baseless accusations. If he does not do so, the Likud will act to file a defamation lawsuit against him.".
"It's a shame that instead of attacking the left and preventing the formation of a government by Eisenkot, Yair Golan, Lieberman and the Arab parties, Winter chooses to harm the right's victory in the elections.".
Following the Likud's response, Winter's representative stated: "Ofer Winter did not say that the Likud was the one that sent private investigators to his home at any point in the speech.".
Winter also attacked Yisrael Beiteinu party chairman Avigdor Lieberman, claiming that he is misleading his voters and telling them that he is capable of bringing a decision and good news to the right: "Someone who relies on senior partners like Yair Golan in the government cannot decide, with them it simply cannot happen.".
