Between Sderot and Nir Am: Elections 2026 - The Battle for Awakening

One road separates Sderot from Nir Am, but the political distance remains deep: while Sderot residents remain loyal to the right, the kibbutzim of the Gaza envelope demand a change and refuse to forgive Netanyahu. The article brings the voices of residents from both sides and the gaps that emerged at the 'Future for the Envelope' conference.

One road, less than a hundred meters, separates Sderot from Kibbutz Nir Am. A shared fate of trauma from October 7, but a deep political divide. Sderot resident Albert Gabai, a Likud supporter, argues that the question should be reversed: why do kibbutz residents continue to vote for the left after the massacre? On the other hand, Mirav Cohen from Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha expresses disappointment with Sderot residents who have not changed their minds, stating that 'there is a worthy bloc and an unworthy bloc.' The article describes the gaps that emerged at the 'Future for the Envelope' conference, where Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi clashed with participants and demanded to continue fighting, while Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council head Uri Epstein attacked the government's failures and demanded a state commission of inquiry. The conclusion: the shared trauma has fortified political walls instead of blurring them.