Deputy Chief of Staff and the IDF spokesperson have prohibited Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter from making public statements or speeches during his leave before his dismissal from the Israel Defense Forces.
This decision followed Winter's speeches at the Jerusalem Day ceremony and a reservists' conference, where he expressed his views on the country's situation and military conditions. In an interview with Channel 12, Winter stated that he is not personally offended by Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi's decision to dismiss him, although he feels publicly slighted.
Winter declared his lifelong dedication to serving the public, noting he could have contributed significantly more during the current war. He criticized Hamas, referring to them as "a group of Palestinian thugs calling themselves Hamas" and emphasized that Israeli forces face a much weaker enemy compared to past conflicts such as the War of Independence, the Six-Day War, and the Yom Kippur War, in which Israel emerged victorious.
During his Jerusalem Day speech, Winter clarified: "Do not think I am entering politics – that's a mistake. I am still a fighter for Israel, still in uniform."
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi decided to discharge Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter, who was not promoted in the latest round of appointments. From August 2020 to September 2022, Winter commanded the 98th Division's Fire Formation and then pursued studies at Reichman University without receiving a new appointment since. On October 7, he voluntarily joined soldiers fighting terrorists near Kibbutz Be'eri.
Following the announcement of his dismissal, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir discussed offering Winter a position in the upper echelons of the police command.
