Netanyahu Faces an Election Test as Years of War Shake Voters’ Trust
A stronghold shows signs of doubt
Kiryat Shmona has traditionally backed right-wing parties, especially Likud. In the 2021 and 2022 elections, about half of the city’s voters chose Likud, compared with roughly a quarter nationwide, according to the Central Elections Committee.
But the northern city remains subdued after residents were evacuated for more than a year during the conflict with Hezbollah. Attacks have mostly eased, yet the town still feels partly empty, and some residents are questioning Netanyahu’s handling of the war.
War reshapes local confidence
Netanyahu promised to stop Hezbollah’s attacks and led bombing campaigns in Lebanon, as well as two invasions since 2023. More than 4,000 people in Lebanon have been killed, while Israeli forces have occupied part of southern Lebanon, leveling towns and displacing an estimated 1 million people.
Hezbollah remains active. After Netanyahu said the group had been subdued, some residents lost confidence when missiles began striking again in March, following the start of the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran. The occupation has reduced, but not ended, Hezbollah fire; Lebanese army efforts to remove the group from the south have made little progress.
Residents weigh their choices
Eti Ben Shabat, 64, said she had previously voted for Likud by following her family’s choice. In recent years, she said, her view changed, citing Netanyahu’s unfulfilled promises to provide security in the north and dismantle Hezbollah.
Views in the city remain mixed. Some residents believe Israel should have acted more forcefully, while others say they no longer trust Netanyahu to look after them.
A close election’s possible stakes
Netanyahu is not expected to lose Kiryat Shmona outright, but a small decline in support there and in other traditional strongholds could matter in a tight contest. The shift could help Gadi Eisenkot, who is seeking to replace him.
Alternatively, stronger support for far-right parties could benefit Netanyahu. Those parties would likely support his continued leadership, while gaining greater influence in a governing coalition.
Key points
- Kiryat Shmona has long been a Likud stronghold, but some residents are reconsidering their support.
- About half of the city voted Likud in 2021 and 2022, versus roughly a quarter nationwide.
- Hezbollah remains active despite Israeli operations, and residents differ over Netanyahu’s response.
- A small shift in traditional strongholds could affect the close election or strengthen far-right parties.