Voter Shifts Focus From Gantz to Bennett and Lapid
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Oren Malka, a 23-year-old voter, has switched his support from Benny Gantz to Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. Malka, a Border Police combatant who experienced the October 7th attacks, felt Gantz's opposition was ineffective. He is now drawn to lists with reservists, questioning how one can vote for leaders perceived as acting against Israel's security interests.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Oren Malka shifted his vote from Benny Gantz to Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid.
- Malka cited Gantz's ineffective opposition and perceived betrayal of promises.
- His experience as a Border Police combatant on October 7th influenced his decision.
- He prefers parties with reservists over those encouraging draft evasion.
- Malka questions voting for leaders acting against Israel's security interests.
Oren Malka, a 23-year-old from the community of Omer, has changed his political allegiance, moving away from Benny Gantz. Malka, who runs an acai bowl stand business for events, initially supported Gantz due to his perceived leadership and security focus, even campaigning for him in the last election. His disillusionment began after the government was formed, as he felt Gantz's opposition was ineffective and failed to fulfill promises, falling prey to "manipulations."
Malka's decision was significantly influenced by his experiences as a combatant in the Border Police (Magav) on October 7th, where he lost friends. This event prompted a reevaluation of his political choices. He found himself drawn to Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, particularly noting the presence of many reservists in the "Achva" (Together) list, which he prefers over parties that allegedly encourage draft evasion.
Malka's central question as he approaches the upcoming election is, "How can one continue to vote for someone who acts against Israel's security interests?" This personal journey is part of a special project by Ynet and "100שטח" called "Changing Direction," which features Israelis from across the political spectrum discussing their voting intentions and the reasons behind their shifts in opinion since the previous election.
