Netanyahu’s secret offer to Ofer Winter to join Likud party

According to a report by Israel's Channel 12, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a private meeting at his office with Ofer Winter, chairman of the Amcha Yisrael party, to offer him a reserved slot on the Likud electoral slate. The proposal reportedly included additional spots for other candidates associated with Winter. However, Winter rejected the offer and proceeded to launch his own independent party. The meeting surprised Winter's inner circle, as he had previously indicated he would not collaborate with currently serving politicians. Following the launch of his party, concerns grew within Netanyahu's circle that Winter might align with an alternative coalition. Two days later, Winter clarified that he would only recommend Netanyahu to form a government post-election, asserting that his party acts independently. Despite this public commitment, sources within Likud remain skeptical, comparing the situation to past statements made by Naftali Bennett.