Lod Municipality Removes Joint List Election Signs, Not Likud's

The Lod Municipality has removed election signs belonging to the Joint List from public property in the city, while numerous signs for the Likud and Religious Zionism parties remain displayed. According to evidence and documentation obtained by Haaretz, signs for the Joint List were taken down at at least two locations. Following Haaretz's inquiry, the municipality claimed that right-wing party signs were also removed, presenting documentation of such actions taken this week. However, an examination by Haaretz revealed that dozens of Likud signs were still visible at a major intersection in the city on the day of the report.

Activists and residents have reported the removal of dozens of Joint List signs in recent days. Nabil, a shop owner, confirmed the removals, stating that inspectors took down the signs without explanation. Footage shows workers using a crane to remove signs from a building roof and inspectors taking them down from a city fence. Activists noted that while Joint List signs were removed for allegedly being in public spaces, signs for Smotrich and Netanyahu remained on public fences and other areas.

A Lod resident reported Likud signs at a central intersection to the municipal hotline, referencing the earlier removal of Joint List signs and stating it was illegal. The hotline operator said they would investigate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the area that day, accompanied by Mayor Yair Rabivo, who is a member of the Likud party, and municipal inspectors.

Residents expressed feelings of discrimination, with Nabil stating, "We feel discrimination, it's very bad." He added, "It probably hurts them that we are going to vote in large numbers, God willing." The Joint List views the removals as a planned attempt to suppress their identity and political activity, vowing legal action and asserting that restrictions should apply equally to all parties.

The Lod Municipality denied selective enforcement, stating that actions against signs violating regulations in public areas are carried out equitably. They noted that signs are sometimes re-hung immediately after removal. The municipality also mentioned a policy of leniency before elections, allowing signs in public spaces to foster a festive atmosphere. The Joint List criticized the alleged selective enforcement as a severe blow to equality, asserting that Arab residents are not second-class citizens and have a right to equal political representation.