Aug 26, 2026

Israel News Today: Ofer Winter Launches 'People of Israel' Party as Sa'ar Expels Dutch Representatives From Gaza Center

Former IDF general Ofer Winter launched his new right-wing "People of Israel" party, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to warn that fragmentation could doom the right-wing bloc. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar expelled Dutch representatives from the US-backed Gaza coordination centre, and Syria condemned Defense Minister Israel Katz's visit to troops in southern Syria.

Winter Launches "People of Israel"

Ofer Winter announced his new party, "Amcha Yisrael" (People of Israel), before some 300 supporters in Jerusalem, pledging a hawkish security policy alongside efforts to foster unity across Israeli society, The Times of Israel reported.

Netanyahu Warns Against Splitting the Right

Netanyahu criticised Winter and other right-wing figures who have founded new parties, warning that fragmentation in his political bloc could doom it, The Times of Israel reported.

Sa'ar Expels Dutch Representatives

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that Dutch representatives will be expelled immediately from the international Gaza aid coordination centre in Kiryat Gat, citing a series of "anti-Israel measures" by the Netherlands, The Times of Israel reported.

Syria Condemns Katz Visit

Syria condemned Defense Minister Israel Katz's visit to Israeli troops in southern Syria as an "illegal entry," after Katz vowed to keep forces there while threats persist, The Times of Israel reported.

Report: Turkey Drops Bid for North Syria Base, for Now

Israel believes Turkey's effort to establish a military presence at a base in northern Syria has been thwarted for now, after Israel struck the base last week, Channel 12 reported, The Times of Israel reported.