Politicians Flock to Jerusalem Stadium Ahead of Elections, One Surprised by Support
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Several Israeli politicians, including ministers and party candidates, attended a soccer match at Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium shortly before the Knesset elections. Shaul Meridor, a candidate for the "Yashar!" party, expressed surprise at the positive reception and support his party received from fans. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was expected to attend, ultimately did not. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was reportedly denied access through the players' tunnel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Politicians attended a soccer match in Jerusalem ahead of elections, drawing significant attention.
- Shaul Meridor of the "Yashar!" party was positively surprised by fan support at the game.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expected at the match, did not attend.
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was reportedly prevented from using the players' tunnel.
- The "Yashar!" party claims to be attracting voters from across the political spectrum.
Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium became a political hub on Monday as politicians from various parties attended the Beitar Jerusalem vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer match, which ended in a 0-0 draw before approximately 30,000 spectators. Among the political figures present were Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of Economy Nir Barkat, Likud candidate Yaakov Bardugo, and Shaul Meridor, a candidate for Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had reportedly planned to attend the game for the first time in five years and declared himself a fan of Beitar Jerusalem, was absent. His potential attendance had sparked controversy, with the "Yashar!" party requesting the Sports Channel to prevent election campaigning during the match.
Meridor, formerly the head of the budget department at the Ministry of Finance, spoke about his interactions with fans during the game. He expressed pleasant surprise at the level of support for his party, stating, "It was quite amazing to see. There are 30,000 people in Teddy Stadium, that's not even a mandate, but the number of people in the stands who told us they are voting for us surprised me positively." He also claimed that his party is attracting voters who previously supported coalition parties, particularly the Likud, as well as Shas and the Religious Zionism parties.
Meridor voiced hope that his party would gain support in Jerusalem, a city considered a stronghold for right-wing and Haredi parties. He described Jerusalem as a diverse city with a million residents, including democratic and liberal voters, and expressed optimism about securing votes from across the political spectrum.
Separately, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly caused an unusual incident when he attempted to access the Eastern stand via the players' tunnel and walk onto the field. According to reports, Beitar Jerusalem officials objected to his request, preventing him from using the tunnel and forcing him to take an alternative route. This occurred amidst the heightened political presence at the stadium just days before the Knesset elections.
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