Ofer Winter sets up new party: 'This is my dream team'

Brigadier-General (res.) Ofer Winter inaugurated his newly founded political party, Amcha Yisrael, on Tuesday, in anticipation of the upcoming October election. During the event, Winter revealed that the party would include Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad on its roster. Haddad's acceptance of the invitation was expressed in both Arabic and Hebrew, emphasizing his pride in contributing to Israel's defense through both military service and public diplomacy, known as hasbara.

Winter introduced his list of potential candidates by mentioning their hometowns, such as journalist Netali Shem-Tov from Metula, and Sigal Kroanik, the Local Security Coordinator of Be'eri, who lost her husband during the October 7 terror attacks. From Neve Ilan, Winter chose Eran Ben-Ari, a lawyer who previously worked in the Defense Ministry and the State Attorney's Office.

He also welcomed Davidi Ben Zion, a reservist and Deputy Mayor of the Judea and Samaria Regional Council, and Colonel (res.) Eli Gino, who commanded the Golani Battalion during Operation Protective Edge. From Jerusalem, Winter added Peler Hesen-Nahoum, the city's former deputy mayor, who immigrated to Israel about 25 years ago. Lali, the mother of fallen soldier Yaakov Deri, also joined the party, marking her entry into politics.

Economist Ronen Bondero and Aviv Ezra, the founder of the 'Generation of Victory,' who fought in the October 7 attacks and served as reserve soldiers during the war, also became part of the party's list.