Winter decries 'ugly' campaign tactics after Netanyahu, Smotrich meet with Winter's rabbi

Jerusalem Post/Israel Election 2026Winter asserted that Israelis are fed up with Netanyahu and Smotrich's "ugly and unethical campaign" after the two visited Winter's rabbi in an attempt to force him to withdraw from the election.Follow us on GooglePeople of Israel party chairman Ofer Winter speaks during a press conference in Tel Aviv, following the resignation of party candidate Davidi Ben Zion and amid allegations of political pressure against the party, ahead of Israel’s upcoming general elections, October 14, 2026. (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)OCTOBER 20, 2026 19:00Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich met on Tuesday with Rabbi Eli Sadan, who mentored People of Israel chairman Ofer Winter, in an attempt to pressure Winter to withdraw from the Knesset race. In response to the meeting, Winter criticized Netanyahu and Smotrich and made clear that he had no intention of withdrawing."Netanyahu, I heard that you and Smotrich are on your way to Rabbi Eli Sadan to put pressure on me to withdraw," he said. "The people of Israel want a different kind of politics. The people of Israel are fed up with the ugly and unethical campaign you have led and the dishonest methods you are using."Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attending the Knesset, February 7, 2024; illustrative. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)Winter to Netanyahu: 'Say what you're good at instead of stepping on others'"Say what you're good at instead of stepping on others to get ahead,” Winter added.Winter went on to say his party offers an alternative leadership option for the Right. He described his approach as “leadership that takes responsibility, leadership that knows how to say, 'I failed, I was wrong.’”He made clear that his party would remain in the race: "We are here only for the people of Israel, and we are going all the way with all our strength."Follow us on Google