Israeli Politicians' Football Fandom Questioned for Electoral Gain
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Israeli politicians' attendance at football matches is being scrutinized for its potential electoral impact, with analysts questioning if such appearances translate into votes. Past attempts by figures like Arkady Gaydamak and Ayelet Shaked to leverage sports connections for political gain have shown limited success. The discussion highlights a perceived disconnect between politicians' sudden interest in football and genuine fan loyalty, suggesting that consistent support throughout the year is more meaningful than opportunistic game attendance. A contrast was drawn between genuine supporters and those using football events for publicity.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu's planned attendance at a football match sparked debate on sports fandom's electoral impact.
- Analysts question if politicians' football appearances can be translated into votes.
- Past political figures' attempts to leverage football connections for votes have yielded limited success.
- Football fans are seen as capable of separating their team loyalty from political allegiances.
- Politicians are urged to show consistent support for teams, not just opportunistic game attendance.
- A distinction was made between genuine football supporters and those using games for publicity.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reported plan to attend a football match between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv has sparked debate about the connection between sports fandom and political support in Israel. In a discussion on the "Lo LePirsum" program, analysts questioned whether a politician's appearance at a game could translate into votes, suggesting that football fans can distinguish between their team loyalty and political allegiances.
Past political figures' attempts to leverage football connections for electoral gain have yielded limited success, according to the program's participants. Examples cited include businessman Arkady Gaydamak, who provided Beitar Jerusalem with its most successful team historically but received only 7,300 votes in a Jerusalem municipal election. Former Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked's decision to grant citizenship to Ali Muhammad shortly before elections also did not appear to boost her political standing, nor did Alona Barkat's perceived flirtation with politics impact support from Beersheba residents.
The program's hosts urged politicians to demonstrate consistent support for sports teams throughout the year, rather than making sudden appearances during election periods. They contrasted the approaches of politicians like Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who are seen as consistently involved, with those who might opportunistically attend games. This includes Prime Minister Netanyahu and others who may suddenly declare allegiance to teams like Maccabi Haifa or Hapoel Petah Tikva.
Further distinguishing between political figures' engagement with football, one analyst highlighted the difference between Nir Barkat, described as a genuine supporter and helper of Beitar Jerusalem, and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, who was observed attending a Beitar Jerusalem game with a large media contingent. The implication is that Ben-Gvir's appearance was more about photo opportunities and creating a spectacle than genuine support.
Mentioned
