In Netanyahu stronghold on northern border, signs of fraying loyalty emerge before election

Kiryat Shmona, a traditional Likud stronghold in northern Israel, shows signs of declining support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Tuesday's election. Residents express frustration over his handling of the war against Hezbollah, broken security promises, and perceived abandonment of the north. Some voters are considering opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot or far-right parties. A poll shows Netanyahu's support in northern Israel dropped from 29% to 17%.

Kiryat Shmona, long a bastion of support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, is showing signs of fraying loyalty ahead of Israel's election on Tuesday. The northern city was evacuated for over a year after being battered by rockets from Hezbollah, and residents say they feel abandoned despite Netanyahu's claims of subduing the Iran-backed group. Some residents, like 64-year-old Eti Ben Shabat, say they will vote for opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, citing broken promises and a lack of connection to the north. Others, like retired Likud councilor Sami Malul, insist the government handled the war well and that Netanyahu remains the only choice. A poll by Agam Labs at Hebrew University shows Netanyahu's support in northern Israel dropped from around 29% before the last election in 2022 to around 17% earlier this month. The article notes that even a small dip in support in Kiryat Shmona could tip the tight election to Eisenkot or strengthen far-right parties that would back Netanyahu but demand more power. The framing relies on anecdotal evidence of discontent without comprehensive polling data for the city itself.