Arab Joint List Wins Plurality in Nof HaGalil, a City Founded to "Judaize" Galilee
Translated & summarized from Local Call by baba
The Arab Joint List achieved a significant victory in Nof HaGalil, a city founded to be Jewish, winning more votes than any other party in the recent Knesset elections. This success is attributed to extensive grassroots campaigning and a long-standing local partnership within the Arab community. The outcome has sparked debate about coexistence and national priorities, while also drawing criticism and allegations of fraud from some right-wing politicians. The results are anticipated to impact future local elections and political dynamics within the city.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Arab Joint List won the most votes in Nof HaGalil, a city established to be Jewish, in the recent Knesset elections.
- The Joint List received 8,216 votes (32%), surpassing the Likud party's 5,531 votes in the city.
- Voter turnout among Arab residents in Nof HaGalil was estimated at around 74%, a significant increase.
- Right-wing politicians, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have questioned the legitimacy of Arab voting.
- The election results are expected to influence upcoming municipal elections in Nof HaGalil.
- The Joint List's local agenda includes establishing an Arabic-language kindergarten in the city.
In a significant electoral shift, the Arab Joint List secured more votes than any other party in Nof HaGalil (formerly Nazareth Illit), a city established in the 1950s to ensure a Jewish presence in the Galilee. The Joint List garnered 8,216 votes, approximately 32% of the total, surpassing the Likud party's 5,531 votes in the recent Knesset elections. This outcome is attributed to over two months of intensive grassroots campaigning and nearly two decades of local partnership within the Arab community.
Dr. Shukri Awada, Deputy Mayor and head of the Joint List in Nof HaGalil, stated the result was "expected" due to the hard work of activists. He emphasized a commitment to maintaining coexistence and excellent relations with the city's Jewish majority. In contrast, Menachem Gendel, a council member, called for the next government to prioritize the "Judaization of the Galilee" as its primary national mission.
Dr. Raed Gattas, a council member for the Joint List, noted that despite online accusations of supporting terrorism in the weeks leading up to the election, these claims did not resonate widely. He linked the increased voter turnout to years of accumulated anger over discrimination and political suppression of the Arab public in Israel. Gattas highlighted the symbolic importance of the victory in a city founded to be Jewish, asserting that their unity is their strength.
Overall voter turnout in Nof HaGalil rose to 61.8% from 52.8% in 2022. Awada estimated that Arab voter turnout reached about 74%, significantly higher than in previous Knesset elections and even local elections. He believes approximately 84% of Arab voters in the city supported the Joint List, calling it part of a "positive tsunami" within Arab society across Israel.
Following the election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and right-wing elements have criticized Arab voting, questioning its legitimacy and alleging election fraud, despite the Central Elections Committee finding no evidence of irregularities. Separately, the State Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, refused a Shin Bet request to investigate Knesset members Ahmed Tibi, Mansour Abbas, Sami Abu Shehadeh, and Ayman Odeh for suspected foreign funding, citing insufficient evidence.
The election results are expected to influence future municipal elections in Nof HaGalil, potentially increasing the Joint List's representation on the city council and even raising the possibility of an Arab mayor. The Joint List's local agenda includes establishing an Arabic-language kindergarten, a demand that will be central to upcoming municipal negotiations.
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