Lod Municipality Removes Joint List Election Signs Ahead of Netanyahu Visit
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
The Lod Municipality removed election signs of the Joint List party on Monday, ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit, sparking accusations of selective enforcement. The Joint List condemned the action as discriminatory and an attempt to silence Arab citizens, who form 30% of Lod's population. The municipality denied the claims, stating that signs violating regulations are removed uniformly from all parties, including right-wing ones. They plan to continue enforcing laws equally and noted a customary pre-election leniency for sign placement.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Lod Municipality removed Joint List election signs Monday ahead of PM Netanyahu's visit.
- Joint List accused municipality of selective enforcement and silencing Arab citizens.
- Municipality denied claims, stating all illegal signs are removed uniformly.
- Evidence of right-wing party signs also being removed was provided.
- Joint List vowed to continue fighting for equality and representation.
- Lod's Arab population constitutes 30% of the city's residents.
The Lod Municipality removed election signs belonging to the Joint List party across the city on Monday, ahead of an upcoming visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Footage released by the party showed municipal workers taking down the signs, in some cases using equipment typically employed for public works. The Joint List accused the municipality of acting in service of fascism and attempting to erase the voices of 30% of Lod's residents, specifically Arab citizens. They further alleged that signs for other parties remained in place, calling the action discriminatory and a severe blow to freedom of expression and electoral integrity.
Former MK Sami Abu Shehadeh, chairman of Balad, stated that the alleged political persecution would not weaken support for the Joint List but would amplify their message in Lod, which he noted is one-third Arab. He asserted that the Arab public in Lod is politically aware and strong, and will not be deterred by such attempts.
The Joint List, the largest party among Arab citizens, emphasized that Arab residents constitute 30% of Lod's population and many support the party. They characterized the municipality's actions as a racist and distorted message aimed at appeasing the ruling party, and a violation of equality and the fairness of elections. The party vowed to continue its struggle for equality, Arab-Jewish partnership, and democracy for all, predicting a strong showing at the ballot box on October 27.
In response, the Lod Municipality denied selective enforcement, stating that election signs are removed uniformly when they are erected illegally. They provided photographic evidence of signs from right-wing parties, including Likud and the Religious Zionism party, also being removed. The municipality reiterated its commitment to enforcing regulations equally for all parties, without political considerations. They also noted that as is customary, a more lenient policy for sign placement is allowed in public spaces starting the Friday before elections to foster an election atmosphere.
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