Prof. Cohen-Eliya Urges Ofer Winter to Withdraw Before Elections

Law professor Moshe Cohen-Eliya addressed candidate Ofer Winter ahead of the Israeli election, urging him to withdraw his newly formed party list from the contest. Cohen-Eliya pointed out that historical polling trends show smaller lists rarely survive the aggressive voter-drain campaigns conducted by major parties in the final week of an election. He stressed that staying in the race despite low polling numbers risks losing vital right-wing votes that could prove decisive for the nation's political alignment.

Highlighting current national security challenges, including potential regional escalations, Cohen-Eliya argued that this election cycle leaves no room for uncalculated risks or political experiments. He referenced cognitive bias research regarding the 'escalation of commitment,' explaining how decision-makers often struggle to abandon past investments despite changing reality. True political leadership, he noted, demands personal humility and the willingness to prioritize collective interests over individual ambitions.

In closing, Cohen-Eliya assured Winter that making the strategic decision to step down now would be widely recognized as a sign of strength and responsibility. By demonstrating tactical foresight and protecting the right-wing bloc from electoral fragmentation, Winter could solidify his standing among conservative voters and establish himself as a prime contender to lead the national camp in the future.