Likud announced: "We will support Oren Hazan for mayor of Ariel"

As mentioned, last week the National Union (Histadrut) and the Ariel University Workers' Committee announced their support for former MK Hazan. However, it was later revealed that the announcement was made contrary to the position of the workers, who expressed their frustration and anger. According to their claim, the decision was not transparently reached, and they oppose any form of support, certainly without consulting all the employees. Despite the embarrassing saga, it should be noted that the Likud party's endorsement of Hazan constitutes a highly significant move ahead of the local elections in the city.

The race for mayor: 9 candidates and a battle between Likud and Religious Zionism

There are several other candidates running for the position of mayor of Ariel due to the non-participation of the incumbent mayor, Eli Shaviro. Apart from Hazan, there are eight more candidates, five of whom are current council members: Yair Shitbon, Yehiel Tohemi, Pavel Polev, Yosi Chen, and Ella Weiner. In addition to the council members, Roee Most, Shay Bernthal, and Elad have also announced their candidacy.

It should be noted that on the eve of the announcement of the candidacy of the endorsed candidate, Yair Shitbon, members of the Knesset from the Religious Zionist movement, Michal Waldiger and Moshe Solomon, arrived. Thus, following the Likud's declaration of support for Hazan, a direct battle is expected to unfold between the two coalition parties for the mayoral position of the city, known as the "Capital of Samaria."