YWN-ISRAEL recently reported that due to his open belief in HKBH and enthusiasm over serving Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael as a religious Jew, IDF Colonel Ofir Winter is likely to face considerable opposition as he attempts to continue climbing the military ladder of command.

In a Maariv NRG report it states that Winter, a decorated IDF officer, has been passed over and not expected to be promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in the upcoming wave of promotions. Winter, a graduate of Yeshivat Bnei David prepatory program has filled an array of high-level combat positions and he has been cited for meritorious behavior repeatedly. NRG reports it is expected that he will soon step down from his post and leave the IDF. Many believe that Winter is in line to become the first shomer Shabbat chief of staff, a reality that has many of the leftists and secularists panicked.

There is much discussion in the IDF as many attempt to analyze the situation, some certain that Winter was passed over due to his letter to his troops before they headed into Gaza during Operation Protective Edge. For some it is clear, the realization that for many of the IDF old guard, a shomer Shabbat chief of staff is far more worrisome than Hamas, amid an awareness the commander is believed to be right-wing as he is a member of the dati leumi community and attended Bnei David, located in the Shomron.

In the summer of 2015 Winter will complete two years as commander of the Givati Brigade and it appears he will not be promoted as he should be. The official reason is he requires a year of studies in the National Security College before he can be promoted to brigadier-general. As such, he is expected to take leave of the IDF.

It should be pointed out that the commander of the Paratroops Brigade Colonel Eliaz Toledano is also a member of the dati community and is expected to be promoted to brigadier-general. He is viewed as a candidate to become chief of staff in the future as well.

Photo: Winter’s letter to his troops prior to entering Gaza.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photo: IDF Spokesman)