Kiryat Shmona Residents Prioritize Cost of Living Over Geopolitics in Elections

Residents of Kiryat Shmona and the Upper Galilee kibbutzim began casting their votes in a calm, yet tense, atmosphere. Despite the pleasant autumn morning, an underlying anxiety was palpable as the day's results could significantly impact the entire country and the northern city specifically. Party activists set up their booths, distributing flyers and candies, awaiting voters who arrived in a steady trickle, a pace often associated with periods of conflict in the region.

Efrat Bleiberg, a Democrat activist from Kibbutz Kfar Giladi, expressed her commitment to contributing to change, aligning her vote with the Democratic party's platform. She hoped for a strong showing of 14-15 mandates for the party, emphasizing the importance of having significant representation in the next Knesset and government. Bleiberg remained unfazed by potential provocations, noting that their small kibbutz was not a target for such disturbances and expressing confidence in the integrity of the elections.

In the previous Knesset elections in November 2022, Kiryat Shmona saw a voter turnout of 61.1%, lower than the national average of 70.6%. The Likud party secured approximately 29.5% of the votes in the city, with Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit receiving about 13.7%. This time, the focus for many voters extended beyond party affiliations to their belief in the potential for elections to enact meaningful change after a turbulent four years.

Karin, a young woman from a Druze family supporting Benny Gantz's party, highlighted the need for representation for their community and the northern region, stating, "It's important that they remember we are also in the country, and not just see central Israel." Ayala, a resident who moved to Kiryat Shmona six years ago, stressed the city's need for development and revitalization, hoping the elected officials would prioritize the North. The Resident, returning to Kiryat Shmona after being evacuated, voiced concerns about the rising cost of living, stating, "Fuel will soon reach nine shekels per liter, mortgages are expensive, food is expensive. With all due respect to Iran, Hezbollah, and all these things, first, we need to look within the country and see how we live."

Flora the Resident, a long-time resident, echoed concerns about the economy, noting that prices for essentials like fruits, vegetables, and housing continue to rise while salaries and national insurance payments remain stagnant. Her granddaughter, Noa, a soldier, described the persistent tension and the lack of true quiet despite the cessation of overt conflict. Ruti expressed a desire for change, equality, and a constitution, hoping for investment in the North. Esther Stern, an educator, emphasized the importance of preserving a Jewish Israel and lamented the decline in the level of discourse and behavior in the Knesset, comparing it unfavorably to the eras of Ben-Gurion and Begin.

Ofira, a lifelong Kiryat Shmona resident and Likud voter, expressed strong support for Benjamin Netanyahu, viewing him as a capable leader who has supported the community through difficult times. She attributed the events of October 7th to divine will and a lack of gratuitous love, rather than political failure. She called for national unity and an end to divisive politics. As voting continued, residents expressed a mix of hope and weariness, awaiting tangible actions rather than just promises, particularly for the development of Kiryat Shmona and the North.