Twice as many Druze in the Golan voted, one party leads: "This is an expression of desire for continued aid to the community in Syria"

Voter turnout in the four Druze villages in the Golan Heights for the Knesset elections doubled compared to 2022, with over 40% voting. Yisrael Beiteinu came first in all villages. Residents cite the massacre in Syria, the killing of 12 children in Majdal Shams, and a growing sense of belonging to Israel as reasons for the increase.

Voter turnout in the 26th Knesset elections in the four Druze villages in the northern Golan Heights – Majdal Shams, Buq'ata, Mas'ade, and Ein Qiniyye – doubled compared to the previous elections in November 2022. In Majdal Shams, turnout was 40.2% (up from 23.4%), in Buq'ata 48.8% (up from 25.4%), in Mas'ade 44.8% (up from 22.6%), and in Ein Qiniyye 46.4%. The partial data indicate a significant change in political participation patterns. The background includes the massacre of Druze in Suwayda, the killing of 12 children in a Hezbollah attack in Majdal Shams in 2024, and the hope for change. Yisrael Beiteinu of Avigdor Lieberman came first in all villages. Residents quoted explain the increase by a sense of belonging to Israel, gratitude for the aid to Druze in Syria, and a gradual process of Israelization. Wael Mughrabi, head of the Ein Qiniyye council, ran for Knesset on behalf of the 'Israel First' party – the first candidate from the Golan.

Twice as many Druze in the Golan voted, one party leads: "This is an expression of desire for continued aid to the community in Syria"