Israel's Election Campaign Muted Amid Strategic 'Dampening' Tactics
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Israel's upcoming election campaign is unusually quiet, with analysts suggesting opposition parties are deliberately employing a "dampening" strategy to avoid provoking Prime Minister Netanyahu's bloc. Key figures like Gadi Eisenkot are adopting low-key approaches, while others like Naftali Bennett are engaging in more confrontational tactics. The rise of AI in campaigns presents new challenges and opportunities, alongside a decline in traditional print advertising. The muted atmosphere raises questions about voter turnout and the impact of these unconventional strategies.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Opposition parties are reportedly using a "dampening" strategy to avoid provoking Prime Minister Netanyahu's bloc.
- Gadi Eisenkot is conducting a low-key campaign, possibly to discourage right-wing voters from supporting Netanyahu.
- Naftali Bennett is actively engaging potential voters in non-traditional strongholds, seeking confrontation.
- The use of AI in campaigns is a new trend, raising concerns about misinformation.
- Traditional print businesses have seen a significant decline in election-related orders.
- Analysts suggest the subdued atmosphere may impact voter turnout in the upcoming election.
With election day approaching, Israel's typically vibrant political atmosphere is unusually subdued, a phenomenon attributed by analysts to deliberate strategies employed by opposition parties. Channel 12's Knesset reporter Daphna Liel and former advisor Moshe Klugman suggest this "dampening" campaign aims to avoid energizing the opposing bloc, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party.
Liel explained that the opposition, often the driving force behind protests, is intentionally refraining from large-scale demonstrations, viewing them as potential triggers that Netanyahu could exploit. Instead, they believe their base is already motivated, and inciting the coalition bloc is unnecessary. A poll by Midgam Research indicates that 50% of opposition voters do not see a need for major anti-government protests before the election.
Political maneuvering is also evident in the campaign styles of key figures. Gadi Eisenkot, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, is reportedly pursuing a "solid" campaign, holding low-key events across the country. Klugman suggests Eisenkot is intentionally projecting a non-threatening image to right-wing voters, potentially encouraging them to stay home and thus weakening Netanyahu's support.
In contrast, Naftali Bennett is actively engaging with potential voters in areas not typically his strongholds, seeking direct confrontation. Klugman described Bennett's campaign as "innovative" but noted it faces challenges from a "drinking machine" narrative, which emphasizes voting for larger parties to ensure victory, citing polls showing Eisenkot and Netanyahu leading.
Analysts also point to a strategic push by both Eisenkot and Netanyahu to consolidate votes for their respective blocs. Eisenkot's "Big Party" campaign aims to draw support from smaller parties, potentially causing parties like Bennett's and Lieberman's to fall below the electoral threshold. Similarly, Netanyahu is reportedly focusing on a singular message, "Right or Palestine," to consolidate his base, while the opposition is employing multiple messages addressing various sentiments like the October 7th failures and religious issues.
The increasing use of AI in campaigns is also a notable trend, with potential risks of misinformation. Klugman suggests this digital saturation creates a craving for authenticity, impacting traditional print businesses that have seen a significant decline in election-related orders compared to previous years. The overall subdued atmosphere raises questions about voter engagement and the effectiveness of these unconventional campaign strategies in what many consider Israel's most crucial election.
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