Right-Wing Fears Arab Vote Surge, Seeks Druze Support
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Israeli right-wing parties are concerned about a potential surge in Arab voter turnout, which could lead to Arab parties winning up to 17 seats. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of this possibility, while also expressing hope for increased Druze voter participation. The right-wing bloc is reportedly experiencing complacency compared to the Arab and left-wing blocs.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Right-wing parties fear a surge in Arab voter turnout could grant Arab parties up to 17 Knesset seats.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of a potential 75% turnout in the Arab community.
- The right-wing bloc is reportedly experiencing complacency, contrasting with the Arab and left-wing blocs.
- Efforts are underway to increase Druze voter turnout, with hopes for Likud support.
- Netanyahu contrasted left-wing reliance on "draft dodgers" with right-wing reliance on "fighters."
As elections approach, a deep concern has emerged within Israel's right-wing bloc regarding a potential surge in Arab voter turnout, while a sense of complacency prevails. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has privately warned associates that if Arab voter turnout reaches 75%, as predicted by pollster Yosef Maklad, it could grant Arab parties between 16 and 17 Knesset seats, significantly altering the political landscape.
In contrast to the perceived awakening in the Arab and left-wing blocs, the right-wing is reportedly experiencing complacency. Netanyahu is closely monitoring polls within the Arab community, which suggest a substantial increase in participation.
Conversely, the Likud party is expressing hope for increased turnout among the Druze community, which numbers over 100,000 eligible voters. In previous elections, only about 50,000 Druze voted, with a small percentage favoring the right. This time, a rise in Druze participation is anticipated, with many expected to vote for the Likud, partly due to Netanyahu's stance supporting their brethren in Syria.
Netanyahu has framed this distinction by stating, "The left relies on draft dodgers, while the right relies on fighters and those who serve." A focused effort is also being directed towards the Druze community, which the right hopes will be a decisive factor in the upcoming elections.
