Likud's Bet on Druze Voters Fails as 79% Back 'Change' Parties
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party received only about 10,000 votes from Druze communities, far below its target of 30,000, with 79% of the Druze vote going to "change bloc" parties. Journalist Munem Halabi stated that land, housing, and the Kaminitz Law were key issues influencing voters. The Druze community is now pressuring elected officials to address these concerns, with the upcoming period expected to show whether parties will respond.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Likud received just over 10,000 Druze votes, missing its 30,000 target, as 79% backed 'change' parties.
- Land, housing, and unlicensed construction are primary concerns for Druze voters, influencing their electoral choices.
- The Nation-State Law and the Kaminitz Law remain significant factors in Druze voter sentiment towards the Likud.
- Druze voters in the Golan Heights showed a slight decrease in turnout in the recent election.
- Newly elected Druze Knesset members are urged to deliver practical solutions on land and housing issues.
- The election results signal a strong Druze desire for change and demand for action on key community issues.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party fell significantly short of its electoral expectations in Druze communities, securing just over 10,000 votes compared to an anticipated 30,000. Journalist Munem Halabi reported that approximately 79% of the Druze vote went to "change bloc" parties, a trend consistent with previous elections. Halabi noted that "Yesh Atid" received around 23,200 votes, Yisrael Beiteinu garnered 16,230, Yair Golan's party secured 4,470, and Arab parties collectively received about 17,290 votes.
Halabi attributed the Likud's failure to connect with Druze voters to an unsuccessful campaign that attempted to leverage events in Syria's Sweida region. He also pointed to the lingering impact of the Likud's stances on the Nation-State Law and the "Kaminitz" Law, which remain significant concerns for Druze voters. Issues of land, housing, and unlicensed construction are paramount in Druze villages, with residents facing substantial fines for building violations and ongoing demolition orders.
Halabi emphasized that newly elected Druze Knesset members must actively address these land and housing issues, pushing their parties for concrete solutions rather than mere promises. He also highlighted the importance of Druze representation in the Knesset, mentioning Hamad Amar and Kamil Abu Rokon as candidates in advanced positions, and expressed hope for their success in translating electoral demands into practical actions.
The Druze community in the Golan Heights saw a slight decrease in voter turnout, with 565 voters participating in the recent election compared to 637 in 2022. Halabi concluded that the election results send a clear message of the Druze community's desire for change and their demand that elected officials and parties address land, housing, and the Kaminitz Law. The coming period will reveal the parties' responsiveness to these pressing issues.
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