Far-right politician Ofer Winter has intensified his campaign messaging in the homestretch of Israel’s 2026 elections, endorsing Israeli settlement expansion in Gaza and firmly opposing a state commission of inquiry into the war — stances that have drawn criticism even from members of his own coalition.
Winter, who serves as a senior member of the right-wing bloc, clarified that despite frustrations with current military operations (stating “we are still in a holding pattern”), he views the centrist opposition as unacceptable for leading Israel. When asked about potential coalition cooperation with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, who leads the Change party, Winter responded bluntly: “I don’t trust Eisenkot as prime minister.” However, he indicated openness to bringing other political figures into a broader right-wing government coalition.
The Israeli Political Landscape
Winter’s statements reflect the deep ideological divisions within Israeli politics heading into the 2026 elections. Israel’s political system is fragmented into multiple blocs: the right-wing coalition (which includes nationalist and religious parties), the center-left opposition, and Arab-Israeli parties. The Knesset, Israel’s 120-seat parliament, requires coalitions to govern, making coalition negotiations contentious and often requiring compromises on controversial policies.
The “Change” party, led by Eisenkot, has emerged as a centrist alternative, appealing to voters seeking middle ground on issues like the war, judicial reform, and Palestinian affairs. Winter’s rejection of Eisenkot reflects the ideological chasm: the right-wing bloc opposes investigation into military conduct and favors settlement expansion, while centrist and left-wing parties advocate for judicial oversight and eventual Palestinian statehood.
Settlement Expansion and State Inquiry: The Core Dispute
Winter’s endorsement of settlements in Gaza represents one of the most contentious issues in post-October 7 Israeli politics. Following the war that began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack, proposals for Israeli civilian settlement in Gaza have emerged from right-wing factions, though most international actors and even elements of Israel’s security establishment view such plans as destabilizing and impractical.
His opposition to a state commission of inquiry — a formal investigative body established by the government to examine major national events — suggests he opposes independent scrutiny of military and political decision-making during the conflict. In Israeli tradition, such commissions (like the Agranat Commission following the 1973 war) have been important accountability mechanisms, though they remain politically sensitive.
Coalition Tensions and Party Dynamics
The fact that Winter faces criticism “even from the coalition” underscores friction within the right-wing bloc itself. Israeli coalitions are often unstable, with member parties holding divergent views on key issues. Even allies within the broader conservative movement may distance themselves from positions they view as politically radioactive or diplomatically damaging.
Winter’s willingness to accept other political figures into a future right-wing government — including Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu party, which he mentioned favorably — suggests he is signaling flexibility on coalition composition while maintaining ideological firmness on core policies. This balancing act is typical in Israeli electoral politics, where parties must appeal to their base while remaining viable coalition partners.
What’s Next
As campaigns intensify in the final weeks before the vote, Winter’s positions will likely face sustained pressure from centrist and international critics. The questions of Palestinian settlement and judicial accountability for wartime decisions are expected to remain central to the 2026 election debate. The composition of the next coalition government will largely determine whether investigations into the war proceed and whether settlement proposals advance or stall.
Source: Ynet — Translated and expanded by Israel Daily Journal
