Israel's Democratic Party Holds Primaries Amid Controversy and Internal Divisions

The Democratic Party in Israel is set to choose its Knesset candidates in primaries taking place on Monday, with over 112,000 members expected to vote across the country. The party faces internal turmoil following scandals and the withdrawal of candidates who criticized the party for drifting towards extremism and away from its roots. Despite efforts to portray a surge in support, data reveals that most new members are older and from central Israel, while younger voters and those from peripheral regions remain underrepresented.

Since the start of the month, the party has gained more than 20,000 new members, which leadership views as a sign of renewed grassroots support. The party's chairman, Yair Golan, will unveil the new candidate list and launch the election campaign after the polls close at 7 p.m. The party's constitution mandates gender parity on the list using the zipper system and guarantees representation for rural areas, youth, and minorities. Voting is electronic, allowing members to select between six and eight candidates, aiming to prevent vote manipulation despite a controversial waiver of the usual cooling-off period for new members.

Criticism within the party has intensified over its perceived shift away from the Labor Party and the inclusion of controversial figures, some of whom have been disavowed or expelled. Notably, Naor Narkis and Omri Ronen faced backlash for calls to refuse military service, with Defense Minister ordering Ronen's removal from the IDF. Some candidates, like Ronen Tzur, have resigned, stating the party no longer represents their values. Additionally, 45 new members chose "other" for gender identity on the registration form, highlighting diversity within the ranks.

Demographic data shows only about 18,000 new members are under 35, while over 90,000 are older. Nearly half of all members, more than 60,000, come from central Israel and the Sharon region, with fewer than 4,000 from the Negev and southern areas. This geographic and generational imbalance underscores ongoing challenges for the party as it prepares for the upcoming elections.