Winter: People of Israel will block haredi ultimatum to Netanyahu on IDF draft, stay in race

Ofer Winter, the head of the People of Israel party, has reaffirmed his stance against allowing ultra-Orthodox Haredi men to be exempt from mandatory military service in Israel. Winter stated that his party would not support a government that does not draft Haredi citizens, despite the Haredi MKs issuing an ultimatum over a draft law that maintains the current status quo.

He expressed his commitment to serving Israeli servicemen and fighters, and to changing the current political climate. Winter's party remains in contention for the upcoming Knesset election on October 27, despite reports of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Religious Zionist Party chairman Bezalel Smotrich attempting to pressure the small party out of the race.

Winter emphasized his party's dedication to uniting Israelis and transforming the country's political direction, urging candidates not to give up or lose hope. However, criticism has arisen within Likud, with activists questioning the effectiveness of the campaign against Winter. Some within the party believe that the attacks have failed to weaken Winter's electoral prospects and that a new strategy is needed.

Despite these challenges, Winter's party remains determined to remain in the race and potentially change the political landscape in Israel.