Ofer Winter could present Israeli voters with a fresh political option while backing Netanyahu - editorial

Winter stated his party would recommend Netanyahu as prime minister after the election, yet he must clarify how this fits the renewal focus of his new political movement.

Ofer Winter introduced his new People of Israel party on Tuesday, launching what may develop into a major bid for Knesset seats.

In addition to the retired IDF general's clear ideology and solid spot in the right-wing bloc, Winter brings something uncommon among candidates: an entirely new political roster.

Designed for wide voter appeal, Winter's list features both prominent and lesser-known individuals who share one key trait: none have held such roles previously.

Following October 7, the demand for new voices in legislative and executive roles has grown clear.

The Hamas attack revealed long-ignored shortcomings not only among specific officials but throughout Israel's political and security structures.

This does not imply every newcomer surpasses every experienced figure. Expertise counts, especially when leading a nation amid threats from several directions.

Still, a valid case exists that those who helped build the system behind Israel's present challenges should not solely handle its repair.

Right-wing voters seek new political figures

Winter has spotted a segment of right-wing voters who, though unwilling to support the opposition, feel let down by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition and desire fresh right-wing leadership.

Yoseph Haddad stands out across parties for his pro-Israel work overseas and firm right-wing views on domestic Arab community matters.

Former Jerusalem deputy mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum brings local government experience free of national political burdens. Laly Derai, mother of fallen IDF soldier Saadia Derai, is a noted social advocate entering politics for the first time.

They and the other members of Winter's list can tell voters that the candidates seen today are the same figures who shaped Israeli politics through repeated instability, including five elections in three years.

They are the same individuals who let security needs slip due to partisan goals and who failed to subdue Hamas and Hezbollah despite repeated pledges.

That point alone will not secure votes. Winter must demonstrate his candidates can deliver fresh ideas and effective governance. Here People of Israel has a chance to stand apart.

Voters do not always seek politicians without errors. They may want leaders outside the system that created the current deadlock, able to tackle issues without accumulated partisan ties.

Winter must balance renewal message with Netanyahu support

Yet one matter Winter needs to tackle in coming weeks is the clear political tension before him.

On Thursday, after nearly two days of media speculation, Winter confirmed his party would recommend Netanyahu for prime minister after the election.

We do not serve any individual, only the people of Israel, he said. We belong to the right-wing camp, whose leader is Netanyahu, and we will recommend only him.

Winter has the right to hold this view. If his supporters seek a right-wing government under Netanyahu, he should state it plainly. He must also show how this stance matches the renewal theme central to his campaign.

The positions can coexist. Winter can note that Israel requires new political voices while Netanyahu stays, for now, the natural head of the Right. If that is his case, he should state it directly.

Regardless of agreement with Winter's views, presenting a list free of prior national officeholders offers Israel something absent: a real opportunity to begin anew.

Winter's bloc placement and ties to Netanyahu will decide if People of Israel's new faces represent a real shift or just a campaign tactic.

If Winter can deliver both a fresh list and a clear vision of the changes it seeks, other politicians may soon follow his lead.