Countdown to election day: A road trip through a country deciding its future
Haaretz visits the cities and towns that could play a pivotal role in deciding the election on October 27
On October 27, Israelis will cast their votes in an election that may determine the nation's future. The stakes are high, as the outcome could establish whether Israel remains a Jewish and democratic country, adhering to the principles set forth in its Declaration of Independence, or if it transforms into a Jewish state governed by autocratic control.
Ra anana, a city with a substantial English-speaking population and a significant presence of Naftali Bennett, is widely regarded as a hub for diverse Jewish religious groups. The critical question now is whether its moderate Orthodox citizens will align with sectoral politics or liberal ideals.
History reveals that Ra anana was established in 1922 by American Jews from New York who sought to cultivate an agricultural settlement in the region. In the recent 2022 election, the centrist Yesh Atid party emerged victorious, securing one-third of the votes in the city, followed closely by Likud, which garnered 20 percent. The far-right Religious Zionism party garnered 10 percent of the votes.
The upcoming election may pivot around the number of moderate Religious Zionist (Modern Orthodox) voters who decide to shift their allegiance from the ruling camp to the opposition bloc. Ra anana is home to a considerable number of such voters, making it a pivotal location in shaping the electoral landscape.
Written by urgent.news from Haaretz's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
