Ben-Gvir Targets Right-Wing Voters in Southern Israel
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir is campaigning in southern Israel to expand his Otzma Yehudit party's support, focusing on governance and crime, particularly in the Negev. While some residents see his direct engagement as a potential boost, others report ongoing issues like gunfire, and skepticism exists within the Likud party about his ability to attract their voters. Ben-Gvir's strategy includes highlighting enforcement actions and suggesting Prime Minister Netanyahu may not want him in government.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is campaigning in southern Israel to gain right-wing voters for his Otzma Yehudit party.
- Ben-Gvir focuses on governance and crime, especially in the Negev's Bedouin communities, presenting data on improvements.
- Some residents report a gap between Ben-Gvir's claims and the reality of ongoing issues like gunfire.
- Supporters believe Ben-Gvir's direct engagement with residents could translate into electoral gains.
- Skeptics within the Likud party doubt Ben-Gvir's ability to attract their voters, citing ongoing dissatisfaction.
- Ben-Gvir reportedly uses the fight against crime and perceived Netanyahu's reluctance to have him in government as campaign points.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir is intensifying his political presence in southern Israel, aiming to attract new voters and bolster the strength of his Otzma Yehudit party, particularly in the Negev region. His strategy focuses on engaging with communities in cities like Beersheba, Ashkelon, Sderot, Netivot, Kiryat Gat, Ashdod, and Lahavim. Ben-Gvir is emphasizing governance and crime in the Negev, especially concerning the Bedouin community, presenting data he claims shows improvements alongside enforcement actions and demolitions of illegal structures. However, some residents report a gap between these political messages and the reality on the ground, with complaints of frequent gunfire from nearby Bedouin towns like Tel Sheva. Despite these issues, some residents believe Ben-Gvir's activism and accessibility could translate into electoral support. Yuval Nir, an Omer resident who supports Ben-Gvir, estimates Otzma Yehudit could become the second-largest party in his town, citing the minister's direct engagement with residents through WhatsApp groups and personal calls on local issues. Nir believes Ben-Gvir's approach has improved police responsiveness and could help the party expand its base.
Conversely, some within the Likud party are skeptical. Shimon Boker, a Likud Central Committee member, believes Ben-Gvir will not succeed in converting voter dissatisfaction with the Likud into votes for Otzma Yehudit. He argues that the minister's focus on crime in the Bedouin community and his political activities in the Beersheba area have not addressed the core concerns of many southern residents, stating, "Ben-Gvir is trying to bring votes from Likud but it won't happen, people are disappointed with Ben-Gvir in the South." Boker criticizes the focus on demolitions while gunfire persists, though he credits Ben-Gvir with changes in the prison service. He is convinced Likud support will not significantly shift to Ben-Gvir's party.
Another Likud activist, Yaron, holds a different view, suggesting a real possibility that some voters might switch to Otzma Yehudit. He notes that some Likud supporters are considering changing their votes and that internal party criticism of Ben-Gvir might even encourage some Likud voters to explore political alternatives. Yaron also states that Ben-Gvir uses the fight against crime in the Bedouin community as a campaign focus, suggesting to his supporters that Prime Minister Netanyahu is not interested in his presence in the government.
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