Likud Supporters Gather for Election Night Rally Amidst Underlying Tensions
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Likud supporters gathered for an election night rally, chanting "Bibi King of Israel" amidst a festive but somewhat tense atmosphere. While activists waited for final results, analysts noted persistent gaps in exit polls. Prime Minister Netanyahu was scheduled to speak later in the night, as underlying tensions within the right-wing bloc were reportedly surfacing.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Likud supporters gathered for an election night rally with chants of "Bibi King of Israel."
- Some activists expressed caution, waiting for final election results before celebrating.
- Gaps between different polling organizations persisted in the exit polls.
- Tensions were reportedly emerging behind the scenes within the right-wing bloc.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu was expected to address supporters later in the night.
Supporters of the Likud party gathered at the Binyanei Ha'uma convention center for the party's central election night event, a traditional summation of their campaign. While the atmosphere was festive, with chants of "Bibi King of Israel" and the playing of campaign clips, some activists expressed cautious optimism, waiting for the final results before celebrating. Itzik Segev, a long-time Likud voter, stated he would not be happy until the true results were known and pledged to wait for Prime Minister Netanyahu's arrival, regardless of the time.
Despite the outward show of unity and enthusiasm, with activists donning hats with the slogan "Make Israel Great Again," a subtle tension was visible on some faces, particularly among candidates and their families who might not secure Knesset seats. The event was filled with journalists and photographers, with activists serving as a backdrop to the unfolding narrative of the election night.
Analysts noted that the gap between polls from established channels and those from Channel 14 and i24NEWS, observed throughout the election campaign, persisted in the exit polls. The final results are expected to not only determine the next prime minister but also settle the "pollster derby."
Prime Minister Netanyahu was not expected to appear on stage until around 2:00 AM, pending the release of the exit polls. The hall was only half-full, primarily with media personnel awaiting the initial projections. While the public-facing event projected confidence and celebration, behind the scenes, "cracks" within the right-wing bloc were reportedly beginning to emerge, which were expected to be alluded to in Netanyahu's eventual speech.
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