In historic first, some Golan Druze, now new citizens, plan to vote in national election

In a historic shift, some Golan Druze who have recently become Israeli citizens plan to vote in the upcoming national election for the first time, following the July 2025 massacre of over 2,000 Druze in Sweida, Syria. Buq'ata Mayor William Abu Awad says citizenship applications have risen from 12% to nearly 60%, and expects 300–500 of the town's 7,000 residents to vote, up from fewer than 75 in 2022. Most are expected to vote for Likud out of gratitude to Prime Minister Netanyahu.

In a historic shift, some Golan Druze residents who have recently become Israeli citizens plan to vote in the upcoming national election, breaking a long-standing taboo. The change follows the July 2025 massacre of over 2,000 Druze in Sweida, Syria, by forces loyal to President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Buq'ata Mayor William Abu Awad told The Times of Israel that Israeli citizenship applications among Golan Druze have soared from 12% to nearly 60% since the attacks. He expects 300 to 500 of Buq'ata's 7,000 residents to vote, compared to fewer than 75 in 2022. Campaign signs now hang in the town, and locals debate party choices. Awad predicted most will vote for the right-wing Likud party out of gratitude to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his involvement in protecting Syrian Druze. Candidates from Yisrael Beytenu, People of Israel, and Yashar have campaigned in Buq'ata, while the Arab-led Joint List has not sought local voters. As of March 2026, roughly 40% of Druze in the four Golan towns are naturalized citizens. Residents like Gohina Alkalanai, who became a citizen two years ago, plan to vote for the first time but remain undecided, seeking candidates who will invest in local education and tourism. The article notes that the 2024 Hezbollah rocket attack on Majdal Shams that killed 12 Druze children and the war's damage to tourism have also shaped local sentiment.