Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing signs of weakening support in one of his traditional political strongholds as residents of Kiryat Shmona express growing frustration over security concerns and the impact of years of conflict along Israel’s northern border.
The northern Israeli city has long been a reliable base for Netanyahu’s Likud party. However, ahead of Israel’s October 27, 2026, general election, some residents are questioning whether the government has done enough to protect their communities and restore normal life after repeated attacks linked to the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Although conservative politics remains influential in the city, dissatisfaction among some longtime Likud supporters is highlighting the challenges Netanyahu faces as he seeks to retain power.
Years of Conflict Leave Kiryat Shmona Struggling
Kiryat Shmona, located near the Lebanese border, has endured years of security threats, including rocket attacks that forced residents to leave their homes.
The Israeli government evacuated the city and surrounding communities for an extended period after Hezbollah began firing across the border following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. Although a ceasefire was reached in late 2024, renewed fighting later brought fresh security concerns to northern Israel.
The prolonged disruption has affected local businesses, public life and residents’ confidence about returning home permanently.
While city officials have said that many residents have returned, some locals believe the actual number is considerably lower. Shuttered shops, quieter streets and reduced commercial activity remain visible reminders of the disruption caused by the conflict.
For residents who spent months away from home, security is not simply an election issue. It is closely connected to their ability to rebuild their lives, reopen businesses and feel safe in their communities.
Longtime Likud Supporters Begin Questioning Netanyahu
Some residents who previously supported Netanyahu without hesitation are now reconsidering their political choices.
Eti Ben Shabat, a longtime Likud voter interviewed by the Associated Press, said she had grown dissatisfied with what she viewed as the government’s failure to deliver on promises to restore security and neutralize Hezbollah’s threat.
Her frustration reflects a broader concern among some residents that military operations have not produced the lasting security they expected.
Other voters, however, continue to support Netanyahu, arguing that the government has prioritized public safety and that responsibility for the continuing instability cannot be placed solely on the prime minister.
The differing views illustrate the divisions emerging within a community where support for Likud has traditionally been shaped by political identity, family ties and long-standing conservative loyalties.
Gadi Eisenkot Emerges as an Alternative
The growing dissatisfaction has created an opening for opposition figures, including Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli military chief who leads the centrist Yashar party.
Eisenkot is seeking to attract voters who want a change in leadership while maintaining a strong approach to national security.
Some former Netanyahu supporters view his military background as an advantage, particularly as security along the Lebanese border remains a central concern.
Nissan Zeevi, a longtime Likud voter and northern Israel activist, has also criticized the government’s handling of the region’s security problems. His advocacy reflects calls from residents who want stronger protection and a clearer long-term strategy for northern communities.
Nevertheless, dissatisfaction with Netanyahu does not necessarily mean voters will move to the political center. Some may instead support other right-wing parties that advocate a more aggressive military response to Israel’s security threats.
This creates uncertainty about how frustration in traditional Likud strongholds could translate into votes.
Security and Economic Recovery Dominate Voters’ Concerns
For many residents, the election is about more than party loyalty. It is also about whether the next government can restore security, support displaced families and revive communities affected by the fighting.
Businesses in Kiryat Shmona have faced interruptions, while residents have had to contend with prolonged displacement and uncertainty about future attacks.
Residents have also criticized what they perceive as limited engagement by national leaders with communities near the Lebanese border.
Netanyahu visited the area during the election campaign, but some residents remain unconvinced that the government’s response has adequately addressed their needs. Others continue to defend his leadership and believe his security policies are necessary in a dangerous regional environment.
The competing perspectives demonstrate the difficulty of translating public frustration into a clear electoral shift.
Election Could Test Netanyahu’s Traditional Support Base
Israel’s October 27 election is taking place after years of conflict involving Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, with national security and leadership accountability prominent in the campaign.
Kiryat Shmona’s political mood offers an indication of the concerns confronting Netanyahu, although dissatisfaction in one city cannot by itself determine the national outcome.
A decline in support for Likud in traditionally conservative communities could affect the balance between political blocs. However, voters who abandon Likud may choose other right-wing parties rather than opposition candidates, making the eventual impact difficult to predict.
For Netanyahu, the challenge is to persuade residents that his government can provide lasting security and support the recovery of northern Israel. For opposition candidates, the opportunity lies in convincing frustrated voters that a different leadership approach can address those concerns.
As election day approaches, Kiryat Shmona remains politically conservative, but the experiences of the past three years have prompted some residents to reconsider their longstanding loyalties.
Swifteradio.com
