Beer Sheva Voters Divided Ahead of Election, Many Fearful of Change
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Residents of Beer Sheva, a Likud stronghold, are expressing mixed feelings just before elections, with some anticipating a Likud win and others fearing change or distrusting all parties. The impact of the October 7th massacre is cited as a reason for shifting political views, with some believing coexistence is no longer possible. Opinions vary widely, from supporting far-right figures to feeling disillusioned and not voting at all, with some predicting Netanyahu's victory despite personal reservations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Beer Sheva residents show divided opinions on election outcomes, with fears of wasted votes and distrust in parties.
- The October 7th massacre is cited as a catalyst for changing political views and a perceived end to coexistence.
- Some voters express strong support for Likud and Netanyahu, while others are undecided or plan not to vote.
- Concerns about a potential left-wing victory and the establishment of a Palestinian state are voiced.
- One resident believes the election is primarily a contest between Sephardic and Ashkenazi voters.
With just 24 hours remaining until elections, residents of Beer Sheva, a city historically voting for the Likud party, express a complex mix of anticipation, apprehension, and disillusionment. While some are confident in a Likud victory, others worry their vote might be wasted, and a significant portion have lost faith in all political parties.
The aftermath of the October 7th massacre has profoundly impacted public sentiment, with some residents believing "there is no more coexistence" and that "we are being deceived." This sentiment fuels a desire for change, though not universally shared. One young man, identifying as "extreme right," declared, "The whole city is Likud. I am extreme right." However, another individual stated, "I'm staying in the Gush," indicating a different political leaning.
Interviews with various individuals reveal a spectrum of opinions. A barista, voting for the first time, is torn between Bennett and Eisenkot, noting a shift in attitudes post-October 7th, even among Gaza border residents. Two young men in the restaurant industry lamented the country's state, expressing a lack of trust in any party and feeling "everything has gone to hell." They also spoke about their reserve duty commitments, with one noting, "For the last twenty-seven years, there have only been wars here. Nothing has changed." A waitress expressed apathy, stating, "I'm not voting for anyone. I don't feel like it."
The hairdresser observed, "Everyone says something different." While he doesn't plan to vote Likud, he believes Netanyahu will win, but fears his own vote will be lost. A nut shop owner plans to vote for Netanyahu, believing "many will vote for him" and seeing him as the only leader. She feels the impact of October 7th is fading, stating, "There was a change, but it has dissipated."
Conversations at a former crime scene turned convenience store highlighted further divisions. One individual predicted votes for Netanyahu, Shas, or Ben-Gvir, while another's family is split between Eisenkot and Netanyahu, fearing a left-wing victory and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Another participant suggested Ben-Gvir is gaining traction due to his actions, but ultimately believes Netanyahu will win decisively. The discourse also touched upon the perceived irrelevance of issues like cost of living and education, with one person concluding the election is solely between Sephardim and Ashkenazim.
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