The Times of IsraelPolitics
Shas Support Fractures in Mizrahi Heartland, Benefiting Far-Right Ben Gvir
Summarized from The Times of Israel by baba
CenterCharged tone
Support for the Shas party has significantly declined in its traditional Mizrahi strongholds, with voters in cities like Netivot shifting towards Itamar Ben Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party. This fracture is attributed to internal party rifts, a controversial stance on military conscription, and the influence of a breakaway rabbinic dynasty. Shas's national vote share and parliamentary seats have dropped, reflecting a broader identity crisis and a perceived disconnect from its base.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shas's support in Netivot plummeted from 42.5% to 28.9%, with voters shifting to Itamar Ben Gvir's Otzma Yehudit.
- The Abergel rabbinic dynasty's split from Shas and subsequent endorsement of Otzma Yehudit impacted Shas's vote.
- Experts cite political rifts and an anti-draft stance as reasons for Shas's declining support among Mizrahi voters.
- Shas's national parliamentary seats fell from 11 to six in the recent election.
- Party leader Aryeh Deri is stepping down from the Knesset due to past criminal convictions.
The Times of Israel publishes in English. The key points are summarized above. Read The Times of Israel’s full report from the link at the top of the page.
Mentioned
