Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter to Be Discharged From IDF

By Yoni Weiss

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi have reached an agreement that Brigadier General Ofer Winter, who has been without a position in the military for a year and a half, will be discharged from the IDF.

According to Yediot Aharonot, Winter was not included in the recent round of senior IDF appointments announced last Thursday. As a result, he will be summoned, along with other senior officers of the rank of brigadier general who were not promoted and were awaiting a decision. They will be informed of the IDF’s intention to retire them.

The decision to discharge Winter stems from the fact that since Sept. 2022, when he began academic studies after completing his previous command position, no suitable role has been found for him.

Associates of the defense minister and the chief of staff stated that it is not appropriate to retain an officer in such a professional and ethical dilemma, as it results in the wastage of public funds.

Winter has enjoyed the support of many right-wing figures in Israel for a considerable period. Various political and military analysts have speculated that another reason for the delay in his advancement is because he is a religious Jew.