Israel’s election puzzle: Why are so many voters still backing Netanyahu? - opinion

An opinion piece explores why Israeli voters continue to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu three years after the October 7, 2023 attack. The author cites racism in Likud campaign ads, opposition disunity, and voter loyalty as factors, while revealing his own support for Naftali Bennett's B'Yachad party.

In this opinion piece, Brian Blum examines why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains politically competitive three years after the October 7, 2023 massacre. The author notes that pre-election polls show the current coalition tied with the opposition, and in some pro-government polls, scoring a resounding win. Blum attributes this to racism in Likud's campaign messaging, citing billboards with the rhyme 'Yamin or Palestine' and an AI ad depicting opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot bypassing his dead son to embrace Ra'am head Mansour Abbas. The author also points to opposition disunity and voter loyalty as factors. Blum reveals he is voting for Naftali Bennett's B'Yachad party, praising its detailed working plans. He questions Netanyahu's health transparency and speculates on a potential plea bargain. The piece concludes with a Channel 12 survey showing 23% of Israelis have developed contingency plans to emigrate if the current coalition continues its drive toward totalitarianism.