From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Hawkish ex-general Winter’s slate includes Arab-Israeli influencer, bereaved mother, wife
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
Former IDF general Ofer Winter’s new political party reveals its slate at a launch event in Jerusalem, introducing right-wing Arab-Israeli influencer Yoseph Haddad and Laly Derai, the mother of slain IDF soldier Staff Sgt. Saadia Derai, as candidates.
“I decided to enter the political arena out of a sense of mission and national responsibility. I chose to join Ofer Winter out of a belief in our shared values and vision for the country. From the Knesset, I will continue working toward strong Israeli advocacy worldwide, making the country a power in the Middle East, and strengthening partnership among all citizens of Israel,” says Haddad, in a prerecorded message in Arabic and Hebrew, leading to a standing ovation.
Also running with Winter are former Channel 13 journalist Netali Shem Tov and Sigal Kraunik, whose husband, Arie “Arik” Kraunik, 54, was killed on October 7 while battling the Hamas invasion and massacre at Kibbutz Be’eri.
“I am happy to join Ofer Winter, my neighbor in the Galilee, a courageous Israeli leader on and off the battlefield. Together, we will lead a real and determined change in priorities for the settlers, the residents of the periphery, and the guardians of the borders,” says Shem Tov, a resident of Metula who was evacuated due to Hezbollah fire on the northern city.
Other candidates include Eran Ben-Ari, the leader of the conservative opposition bloc within the Israel Bar Association, who declares that the Israeli “legal system needs a reform that will restore public trust,” and Davidi Ben Zion, the acting head of the Samaria Regional Council, an umbrella settlement body in the northern West Bank, who calls to strengthen settlement.
Col. (res.) Eli Gino (47), former commander of the Givati Reconnaissance Battalion, who served under Winter, also joins the list, as do economist Ronen Bodenro and IDF reservist activist Aviv Ezra, founder of the “Victory Generation” movement.
Another candidate is former deputy mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahum, who was born in London and moved to Israel as an adult.
“I made Aliyah 25 years ago out of a deep commitment to my people and my country. I served our capital city for eight years as a city council member and as deputy mayor. Following the October 7 massacre, I became a fighter in the advocacy arena. Today, I realize that I must continue serving my country directly from the Knesset,” says Hassan-Nahum.
The party stresses the geographical diversity of its candidates, who come from across the country and who include secular and religious Jews, immigrants and Arab citizens.
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