"Abu Yair will no longer get votes here": Netanyahu loses support in Likud stronghold in the Negev

Following police operations in Tarabin al-Sana, residents who were former Likud supporters express criticism of Netanyahu, who they say backed Ben Gvir's policies. One of them said: "There will not be a single vote for Likud in Tarabin." However, the article notes that the extent of the change is still unclear.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is losing support in the Bedouin community of Tarabin al-Sana, once a clear Likud stronghold. In the 2022 elections, Likud won 58.85% of the valid votes in the community, but now, following extensive police operations there, residents are expressing sharp criticism of Netanyahu, who they say backed the policies of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. A resident who previously voted for Likud told Walla: "In my opinion, there will not be a single vote for Likud in Tarabin." Another resident added: "Among us, there will not be even one vote for Netanyahu, only because of Ben Gvir." The police operations, which began in late December 2025, included blocking entrances and arrests, leading to clashes with residents. In the past, Netanyahu was called "Abu Yair" in the community and was warmly received, but now some residents say they do not intend to vote for Likud again. However, the article notes that it is still unclear to what extent the criticism reflects a broad shift in voting preferences.