If Only Haifa Were Voting for the Knesset: The Result Would Be Completely Different

An analysis by Prof. Itai Barri of the University of Haifa examines voter turnout in the city during the 2026 elections. Participation rose to about 62%, but Haifa still lags behind most major cities. The analysis reveals large gaps between neighborhoods and presents a scenario where only Haifa determines the Knesset composition: the Change Bloc wins 70 seats.

An analysis by Prof. Itai Barri of the University of Haifa, published in Maariv, examines voting patterns in the 2026 elections in the city of Haifa. Voter turnout rose from 55.5% in 2022 to about 62%, but the city still lags behind most major cities. The analysis reveals large gaps between neighborhoods: in Ramot HaCarmel about 71% voted, in the Lower City only about 49%. The Change Bloc received about 55% of Haifa's votes, right-wing and Religious Zionism parties about 24%, Arab parties about 11%, and Haredi parties about 5%. In a thought experiment, if only Haifa determined the Knesset composition, the Change Bloc would win 70 seats, the right 30, Arab parties 14, and Haredi parties 6. The analysis highlights the link between socioeconomic ranking and participation but notes that community factors also play a role.