Chareidi Turnout Hits Historic Low as Arab Vote Surges

Ben Gvir's remarks at the entrance to Kafr Qasim (Photo: Spokesperson)

While turnout in the Arab sector is jumping to new highs, the chareidi sector on Tuesday found itself at an unprecedented low. A senior chareidi figure told Kikar Hashabbat that "this isn't a campaign alarm --- we're truly at a low point, numbers we've never seen, and this while the figures in other sectors are rising sharply."

The gap between sectors stands out especially when comparing data from the ground. While Arab population centers are reporting unusually high turnout rates, chareidi polling stations are reporting slow traffic and exceptionally low turnout percentages.

Otzma Yehudit chairman and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir arrived this morning at the entrance to Kafr Qasim and issued an emergency call to right-wing voters. "We're here at the entrance to Kafr Qasim, and you understand what all of Israel understands today: turnout in the Arab sector is insane, there's never been anything like it," Ben Gvir said.

"Gentlemen, now it depends on you. If you want this state to remain Jewish and Zionist, if you don't want it to be in the hands of Mansour Abbas and Ahmad Tibi—go out and vote," the minister called. "Go out and vote Bet, and again Bet, and again Bet! Only Bet, only Otzma Yehudit! For the sake of a right-wing Zionist and Jewish government. Don't let them win. Go out and vote!"

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed the gap in turnout rates. After voting at a polling station after 12 noon, Netanyahu issued a sharp statement: "My brothers and sisters, Likud voters, this is an emergency call. Because they're trying to steal the election from us." He pointed to data that he claimed shows a significant gap: "Turnout rates in the Arab sector in the south are incomparably higher than the Jewish sector. You must go out and vote."

Netanyahu quoted Arab party leaders: "Sami Shehada says, Ahmad Tibi says, Mansour Abbas says in their own words: 'Our voters are streaming to the polls.' You too must stream to the polls." The prime minister called on voters to mobilize the entire family: "Check that everyone comes: grandfather, grandmother, aunt and uncle, the neighbor—no one stays home."