Kiryat Shmona Voters Reaffirm Support for Likud Despite Evacuation and War
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
Residents of Kiryat Shmona, many of whom were evacuated for three years due to conflict, have again voted overwhelmingly for the Likud party in recent elections. Despite the war's impact on the city and personal grievances with Prime Minister Netanyahu, voters like Mayor Avichai Stern and residents Shimon Cohen and Orna Peretz expressed continued loyalty to the party. While some residents blame local leadership for the city's struggles, others defend the government's support during the evacuation period.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Kiryat Shmona residents again voted heavily for Likud, mirroring 2022 election results.
- Only 60% of the city's evacuated residents have returned after three years.
- Mayor Avichai Stern remains loyal to Likud despite perceived neglect by PM Netanyahu.
- Residents debate blame for the city's post-war recovery, with some citing local leadership.
- Some residents highlight government financial aid during the prolonged evacuation.
Despite a prolonged evacuation due to the war with Hezbollah and significant damage to the city, residents of Kiryat Shmona have once again shown strong support for the Likud party in recent elections. Approximately half of the city's residents had voted for Likud in 2022, and a similar proportion repeated this choice in the latest vote, even as only about 60% of those evacuated have returned to the city. Businesses in Kiryat Shmona have suffered greatly, and the repair of damage from shelling remains incomplete.
Mayor Avichai Stern, who has publicly expressed frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's perceived neglect during the war, nevertheless participated in a video with the Prime Minister, praising his efforts for the city. Stern explained his continued loyalty to the Likud, stating, "I always said I am a Likudnik" and that there is no other party on the right where voters can influence internal decisions. He defended his actions, saying criticism should be voiced from within the party and that he fought for the city's physical home.
Stern also addressed the establishment of an academic college in Kiryat Shmona as a significant achievement, noting that while the decision predated the current government, Netanyahu's government recently allocated funds for its implementation. However, only 50 million shekels out of an approved 300 million have been received so far.
Some residents, like Shimon (Champion) Cohen, place blame on local leadership for the city's struggles, not the national government. Cohen praised Netanyahu's decision to evacuate residents as wise, preventing potential casualties. He also criticized Mayor Stern for not advocating more forcefully for the city and for allegedly discouraging residents from returning through constant complaints.
Another resident, Orna Peretz, who previously had a public spat with Netanyahu, also defended the government's actions. She stated that residents received substantial financial support during the evacuation, including monthly stipends and waived utility and property taxes for an extended period. Peretz accused Mayor Stern of damaging the city's morale and contributing to her son's decision to leave Kiryat Shmona.
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