Netanyahu's Support Frayes in Likud Stronghold Ahead of Election
· World · The Independent, France 24, New York Times
Kiryat Shmona, a northern Israeli city that has long served as a stronghold for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, is showing signs of political fatigue ahead of Tuesday's election. Evacuated three years ago due to rocket fire from Hezbollah in Lebanon, the city remains half-empty and economically strained despite ongoing military campaigns. While residents remain largely conservative, frustration over unfulfilled security promises has created a dip in traditional loyalty. Netanyahu faces potential challenges from rival Gadi Eisenkot and far-right coalition partners as voter sentiment sours. In previous elections, around 50% of Kiryat Shmona voters chose Likud, double the national average.
Why it matters
Even a minor drop in support within core Likud strongholds could tilt Tuesday's tightly contested national election and alter Israel's ruling coalition.
Read the original report — The Independent
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