Many Likud Voters Who Vowed to Leave Netanyahu Still Voted for Him
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Many veteran Likud voters who vowed to stop supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ultimately voted for him in the recent elections, a report found. Individuals interviewed expressed conflicted feelings but cited a lack of alternatives and concerns about other parties' alliances as reasons for their vote. Some voters, like Avi Dar, were so conflicted they abstained from voting altogether. Political analysts attribute this phenomenon to long-standing loyalty, emotional connections, and Netanyahu's effective use of fear-based messaging.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Many Likud voters who vowed to leave Benjamin Netanyahu ultimately voted for him.
- Voters cited a lack of alternatives and fear of alliances with Arab parties.
- The "trembling hand syndrome" describes voters reverting to established habits at the ballot box.
- Some conflicted voters, like Avi Dar, abstained from voting.
- Netanyahu's branding and fear-based messaging contribute to voter loyalty, according to an analyst.
Many long-time Likud voters who publicly stated they had finished with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have ultimately cast their ballots for him, according to a report revisiting voters interviewed six months prior. The "trembling hand syndrome" phenomenon, where voters feel conflicted but revert to their established political habits at the ballot box, was observed in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market and among residents of northern Israel.
Roi Kaldron, initially undecided and critical of Netanyahu's long tenure, ultimately voted for him, citing the lack of a better alternative and crediting Netanyahu's experience. "There is no one else," he stated, explaining his decision was solidified by concerns over potential alliances between other parties and Arab factions.
Boaz Tzedekiahu, who had expressed a desire for change, also voted for Netanyahu. He explained his choice was influenced by the possibility of the "change bloc" forming a government with Arab parties, preferring a strong right-wing bloc instead. He admitted to deliberating between Netanyahu and Avigdor Lieberman.
Avi Dar, a taxi driver from Metula who had been a vocal critic of Netanyahu, stated he did not vote at all. He described his hand trembling at the ballot box, unable to choose anyone, particularly due to his distrust of parties aligning with Arab factions after the October 7th events.
Political commentator Shalom Yerushalmi explained that for many long-time Likud voters, historical habits, brand loyalty, and emotional connections to the Likud party often override personal deliberations. He noted that Netanyahu has effectively used fear-based messaging, portraying himself as essential for preventing national destruction.
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