Israelis voted in the twice-postponed municipal elections on Tuesday, providing a glimpse into the public sentiment nearly five months into the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The elections, initially scheduled for October 31, were rescheduled to November 2024 in areas bordering Gaza and Lebanon due to ongoing hostilities. The turnout for this year’s elections stood at around 49 percent, a decrease from the 2018 turnout of 59.5 percent.
In Jerusalem, the turnout was 30.8 percent, while in Tel Aviv, it was 40 percent. More than seven million people were eligible to vote in local council elections across most of Israel, including Jewish settlements in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and parts of the Golan Heights. Despite the challenging circumstances, no major incidents were reported during the voting process.
The diverse makeup of Jerusalem was highlighted by candidate Amit Peretz, emphasizing the importance of hearing all voices in the city to ensure its smooth functioning. Resident Gita Koppel, 87, expressed the significance of voting as a means to have one’s voice heard and influence decision-making for the betterment of Jerusalem.
The elections were overshadowed by the recent conflict with Hamas, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The retaliatory offensive by Israel against Hamas claimed the lives of thousands in Gaza, including civilians. Tragically, two candidates for council chief in Gaza border areas lost their lives during an attack on October 7.
In major cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, candidates aligned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political allies faced off against government critics and more moderate contenders. Netanyahu, under pressure from various fronts, including the fate of hostages in Gaza and anti-government protests, saw his political influence being tested in these elections.
Tel Aviv’s long-serving mayor Ron Huldai sought re-election against former economy minister Orna Barbivai, who aimed to become the first woman to hold the position. The elections also saw the participation of Arab candidates like lawyer Amir Badran and Sondos Alhoot, who ran on a joint Jewish-Arab party platform in Jerusalem.
While municipal elections are typically viewed as local affairs, they can serve as a launchpad for politicians eyeing national roles. Opposition leader Yair Lapid seized on the election results to call for a snap parliamentary election to replace Netanyahu. The elections also shed light on the voting rights of Palestinians in east Jerusalem, who can participate in municipal elections but not parliamentary ones.
As the first round of elections concluded, run-offs will be held where necessary on March 10 to determine the final outcomes. The results of these municipal elections will not only shape local governance but also have broader implications for national politics and leadership dynamics in Israel.