Netanyahu Draws Rock Star Reception in Yokan'am Elite Visit
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Yokan'am Elite, drawing over a thousand enthusiastic supporters to a shopping complex in an event described as resembling a rock concert. While supporters chanted "Bibi, King of Israel," a small group of protesters faced verbal hostility. The visit caused local economic disruption, with some businesses reporting losses, though many supporters remained fervent. The event highlighted the strong emotions Netanyahu evokes among his base, regardless of broader political polling.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Over a thousand supporters gathered for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Yokan'am Elite.
- The atmosphere at the event was likened to a rock concert, with enthusiastic crowds and chants.
- A small group of protesters faced verbal abuse from Netanyahu supporters outside the complex.
- The prime minister's visit caused economic disruption for some local businesses.
- Yokan'am Elite is not a politically uniform city, despite the strong turnout for Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Big shopping complex in Yokan'am Elite on Sunday, drawing a crowd of over a thousand supporters who gathered to see him. The atmosphere resembled a rock concert more than a political visit, with attendees pushing to get close, take photos, and secure a spot. Many young people, some not yet of voting age, enthusiastically chanted "Bibi, King of Israel." One supporter, holding Netanyahu's first book, expressed his admiration, calling him a "leader of stature."
Netanyahu's visit, organized quickly via WhatsApp messages on Saturday evening, led to significant crowds and security checks, with the queue for entry described as similar to that for a highly anticipated concert. Inside, supporters, including children, expressed their adoration, with some stating their parents had always voted for the Likud party. The prime minister's ability to generate such excitement, even after many years in politics, was noted by observers.
A small group of protesters, holding a "You Are Guilty" sign and wearing similar shirts, stood outside the complex. Their presence sparked verbal altercations with Netanyahu's supporters, who shouted hostile remarks, including telling them to "go to Palestine." Police escorted the protesters to their vehicles. Gil Dickmann, the cousin of Carmel Gat, who was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas on October 7th, also attended and faced hostile chants.
Despite the large turnout of supporters, Yokan'am is not a politically monolithic city. In the 2022 Knesset elections, the Likud party received 33.14% of the votes, with other parties garnering the majority. The article notes that the enthusiastic crowd does not necessarily represent a representative sample of the voting public. Meanwhile, a separate political event, a home meeting for the "Yashar" party featuring Yoram Cohen, took place in the same city on the same day.
The visit also had a local economic impact, with some businesses reporting losses of around 4,000 shekels due to the disruption. However, some vendors expressed understanding, with one remarking, "It doesn't happen every day, but he deserves it," highlighting the strong emotional connection many feel towards the prime minister.
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