Voters interviewed by AFP in Dimona and Ramla voiced support for Benjamin Netanyahu, citing his experience and security stance as Israel approaches its Oct. 27 election.
AFP described the race with former army chief Eisenkot as close. He has criticized Netanyahu as unfit to lead, the agency reported.
Daniela Hermon, 60, said she would vote for Netanyahu. She cited his political experience and knowledge of global affairs, security and foreign relations. “At a time like this, we cannot afford to lose such a leader,” she told AFP.
Hundreds gathered at a Dimona restaurant for Netanyahu’s campaign stop on Oct. 21, AFP reported. The visit coincided with his 77th birthday; the crowd cheered his nickname, “Bibi,” and presented him with a cake bearing his image. Netanyahu promoted the military campaign against Iran that Israel launched alongside the United States and said he aimed to bring down the Iranian government. He also pointed to U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement, AFP reported. Trump’s backing ahead of the vote was also covered in EconoTimes’ earlier report.
Dimona has been a strong area for Netanyahu’s Likud party: it received 51% of the vote there in 2022, AFP reported. In Ramla, supporter Moti Cohen told AFP he would vote only for Netanyahu, whom he described as the only person able to protect the country.
The conflict’s place in the campaign remains contested. AFP reported that Netanyahu’s supporters regard Israel’s fighting on several fronts since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack as evidence of his resolve, while critics view the conflict as a liability. Aaron Meguira, 60, said he would vote for Eisenkot. He accused Netanyahu of dividing Israelis and said the Oct. 7 events occurred while Netanyahu was in office, AFP reported.
Israelis are scheduled to vote on Oct. 27.
