Shas Leader Deri Warns of Apathy Amid High Haredi Voter Turnout

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Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri warned of apathy in Haredi strongholds, but election data shows high voter turnout in these areas, reaching 35% by 12:30 PM, exceeding the national average. While turnout in some liberal areas has slowed, Haredi areas maintained high participation. National turnout by noon was 31.5%, higher than the previous election, though final results are still pending.

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Haredi voter turnout reached 35% by 12:30 PM, exceeding the national average of 31.5%.
Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri expressed concern over apathy in Haredi and right-wing areas.
Haredi voting centers maintained high participation rates throughout the day.
Turnout in liberal strongholds saw a significant slowdown after the morning hours.
National voter turnout by noon was higher than in the previous election.
Cities like Modi'in Illit and Elad reported over 30% turnout by early afternoon.

Despite a warning from Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri about potential apathy in Haredi and right-wing strongholds, preliminary election data for the 26th Knesset elections indicates surprisingly high voter turnout in the Haredi sector. As of 12:30 PM, approximately 35% of eligible Haredi voters had cast their ballots, surpassing the national average of 31.5% at 12:00 PM. Cities with significant Haredi populations showed strong participation: 36.7% in Modi'in Illit, 32% in Elad, 31.2% in Netivot, 30.2% in Ofakim, and 28.4% in Bnei Brak. Jerusalem's overall turnout was 27.1%.

Deri issued an emergency appeal, expressing concern over what he perceived as indifference in Haredi and right-wing areas, while noting high turnout in left-wing and Arab sectors. He stated, "I am very worried about the indifference in the Haredi and right-wing strongholds. The high voter turnout in the left-wing strongholds and the Arab sector is very worrying." Shas data suggests that such high participation numbers have not been seen since 1977.

The article highlights that while liberal strongholds saw high morning turnout, their voting pace has slowed. In contrast, Haredi voting centers maintained high participation rates throughout the day. This trend of sustained turnout is considered more significant than the cumulative percentage alone. Turnout also increased in several cities associated with the Likud party, including Afula and Sderot (30.8%), Nahariya (30.03%), and Or Yehuda (30%). However, turnout was lower in Be'er Sheva (24.4%) and Eilat (22.2%).

While the overall national turnout by noon was 31.5%, higher than the 28.4% recorded at the same time in the previous election, the final impact of these participation rates on the distribution of votes among Haredi parties and the ultimate election results remains uncertain.