House of the Likud: Why Has Beit She'an Fallen Behind Decades After 1977 Shift

In a new episode of the podcast "To the Edge," host Keren Neubach interviews Oren Aharoni, who embarked on a special documentary journey to Beit She'an in 2026. Nearly 50 years after the historic political shift in 1977, which made Beit She'an a symbol of the Likud party, the city remains economically and socially stagnant. The streets are deserted, young residents are leaving, and employment opportunities are scarce.

The episode explores the contrast between Beit She'an's political loyalty to Likud and its ongoing struggles for renewal and a viable future. Residents question how the city, once a stronghold of the ruling party, continues to face such challenges. The podcast also touches on broader themes of trauma and political tragedy, including a segment titled "Dad Broke the Whole House," which discusses growing up under post-trauma conditions and the political difficulties faced by Yair Lapid.

This episode sheds light on the complex reality of a city emblematic of a political era but left behind in terms of development and opportunity, raising questions about the future of Beit She'an and similar communities.