Politics · Other · 3 hrs ago
Northern Israeli voters question Netanyahu ahead of election
Some northern Israeli voters want a change of government ahead of the election on Tuesday.
Their communities were evacuated during the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which began after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.
Residents blame Netanyahu for security failures and broken promises, though some in Kiryat Shmona say Israel should have taken tougher action against Hezbollah.
The city has traditionally backed Netanyahu’s Likud party, but some voters there say their loyalty has weakened after renewed attacks and continued disruption.
A small shift in support could affect the tight election, potentially helping opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot or strengthening far-right parties that may back Netanyahu.
Israeli forces occupy a security zone in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah remains active despite a reduction in attacks.
Northern residents say they want security, rebuilding and an economic recovery, including the return of tourism and normal life.
Voters in northern Israel are expressing doubts about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the country’s election.
Some residents say Netanyahu should take responsibility for security failures and that Israel needs a new government.
Others in Kiryat Shmona say he has not delivered security against Hezbollah, while some want Israel to act even more forcefully.
The war and evacuations have left northern communities and their economy struggling, residents say.
Kiryat Shmona has traditionally supported Likud, but any decline in that backing could affect a tight election.
- Who
- Residents and voters in northern Israel, including Kiryat Shmona, are questioning Netanyahu’s leadership.
- What
- Voters are weighing whether to continue supporting Netanyahu and Likud amid criticism of the government’s handling of security and the war with Hezbollah.
- When
- Ahead of Israel’s election, scheduled for Tuesday, according to the Times of Israel.
- Where
- Northern Israel, including Kiryat Shmona and communities near the Lebanon border.
- Why
- Residents cite security concerns, broken promises, war damage and the effects of evacuations.
Voters seeking tougher action against Hezbollah
Voters who have lost trust in Netanyahu
Handling of Hezbollah
Voters seeking tougher action against Hezbollah
Some say Israel should have been even tougher against Hezbollah.
Voters who have lost trust in Netanyahu
Others say Netanyahu’s promises to bring security and dismantle Hezbollah have not been fulfilled.
Political response
Voters seeking tougher action against Hezbollah
They support a more forceful approach to the threat.
Voters who have lost trust in Netanyahu
They say Netanyahu no longer has their confidence or should be replaced.
Hezbollah began firing on Israel after the Hamas-led attack, and northern communities were evacuated.
A ceasefire with Hezbollah was reached, ending the period when northern border communities had been evacuated.
Hezbollah fire resumed after Israel and the US launched their war on Iran.
An election campaign poster featuring Gadi Eisenkot was photographed in Kiryat Shmona.
Israel is scheduled to hold its election.
- Election
- Scheduled for Tuesday
- Kiryat Shmona
- About 50% of voters chose Likud in the 2021 and 2022 elections
- Northern evacuations
- Nearly 70,000 people were evacuated for almost two years, according to Eyal Dror
- Lebanon casualties
- More than 4,000 Lebanese have been killed, according to Lebanese figures cited by the Times of Israel
- Gadi Eisenkot
- Leader of the centrist Yashar party and a potential replacement for Netanyahu
3 sources
What people are saying
For me, this is one of the worst coalitions that we have ever had in Israel
Israel needs a change, and I think this change should be very dramatic.
I don’t want the lies to continue.
Kiryat Shmona, the way the city is socioeconomically and religion-wise, it is made for the right and specifically Likud