{
  "id": 16278918,
  "title": "Years of conflict splits voters in former Netanyahu stronghold",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/years-of-conflict-splits-voters-in-former-netanyahu-stronghold",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-24T04:11:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-24/israel-election-wars-split-opinions-on-benjamin-netanyahu/107287178"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona, voters are divided ahead of the upcoming election, which is seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. The city, located at the foot of the Ramim Ridge, has been a Likud stronghold for decades and sits near the Israel-Lebanon border. The city has experienced multiple conflicts, including Hezbollah rocket and drone strikes after the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, which led to a war in Gaza. Recently, Hezbollah attacked the city again in support of Iran, prompting Israeli forces to retaliate.\n\nDespite the ongoing conflict, the city's residents remain loyal to Likud, with many traditional and religious individuals supporting the party due to its generations-long presence in the city. Former deputy mayor Shimon Kamari, who has shifted to a more right-wing stance, believes that a change in leadership could be a \"death sentence\" for Kiryat Shmona. However, others argue that Netanyahu's extensive experience and achievements make him the only viable option to maintain Israel's safety.\n\nKamari recommends backing Gadi Eisenkot, who leads the \"four parties of change\" coalition, as he believes the current government is on the wrong track. The city's residents are split, with just over 49% of the vote going to Netanyahu's Likud party in the last election, while Eisenkot's Yashar party comes in second with nearly 14%. Other parties, including the far-right ultranationalist Otzma Yehudit led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, are also running separate campaigns.",
  "summary": "Israelis are headed to an election that will have a profound impact on the country after years of conflict and social upheaval. But can Benjamin Netanyahu survive?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}