Rahat's goal ahead of elections - 75% turnout: "Because of Ben Gvir's provocation"

Rahat Mayor Talal al-Karnawi has set a target of 75% voter turnout in the upcoming elections, amid an unusual political awakening in the largest Bedouin city in Israel. Residents attribute the mobilization to the conduct of Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

Rahat Mayor Talal al-Karnawi has set an ambitious target of 75% voter turnout in the upcoming elections, amid an unusual political awakening in the largest Bedouin city in Israel. According to residents, the conduct and statements of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir are the main fuel driving the grassroots movement. The mayor estimates that there is a potential of over 150,000 voters in the Bedouin community in the Negev, a force that alone is worth more than the electoral threshold, and he aims to bring four Knesset members from the sector. Local journalist Hussein al-Ubra notes that home demolitions, incitement, and Ben Gvir's policies are pushing the public, and the goal of most residents is to replace the current government and strengthen the Arab parties. In the previous elections, voter turnout in Rahat stood at 60.6%.