Mixed Results in Israeli Municipal Elections Amid War and Low Turnout

In the aftermath of Israel’s long-delayed municipal elections, the nation woke up to a landscape of mixed electoral outcomes on Wednesday. Incumbent mayors in several key cities have successfully clinched reelection, while others face defeat or tight races leading to runoff elections. Amidst the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Gaza, the elections saw a notably low voter turnout of just 49.5 percent, underscoring the impact of war on civic participation.

In Jerusalem, Mayor Moshe Lion sailed to victory with a commanding 81.5% of the vote, overshadowing secular challenger Yossi Havilio. Despite the decisive win, Lion’s victory speech took on a somber tone, reflective of the current national mood. “I’m thinking, first of all, of all the hostages we pray to return as soon as possible … and the IDF soldiers and security forces who are fighting for us,” he remarked.

Tel Aviv saw incumbent Mayor Ron Huldai fend off a challenge from Orna Barbivai, securing a sixth term with 51% of the vote, according to preliminary results. Barbivai conceded defeat early Wednesday, extending congratulations to Huldai and expressing gratitude to her supporters.

Notably, several cities, including Haifa and Beit Shemesh, are poised for runoff elections after no candidate managed to secure a decisive 40% of the vote. Haifa’s Mayor, Einat Kalisch-Rotem, was notably ousted, garnering only 4.5% of the vote in a crowded field. Beit Shemesh will see a face-off between incumbent Mayor Aliza Bloch and Shmuel Greenberg in the coming weeks.