What’s happening
Discussions are underway in Israel regarding the possible delay of municipal elections due to the ongoing conflict with Gaza. The originally scheduled elections for late October had already been postponed to January 30 as a result of the Swords of Iron War which started on October 7. Despite the war’s impact on the election campaign process, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel has resisted calls for a further delay.
Why it matters
The demand for postponement is led by right-wing lawmakers, primarily from the Religious Zionist Party (RZP), who argue that the current situation unfairly impedes non-Ultra-orthodox candidates, many of whom serve as reserves in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), from running effective campaigns. A delayed election is seen as a leveling of the playing field against haredi parties whose candidates are not as affected by the reservist call-ups.
The response
RZP leader and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, along with Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of Otzma Yehudit, have publicly supported the postponement of municipal elections. They contend that holding elections during an ongoing military conflict not only hampers the electoral campaign opportunities for reservist candidates but also distracts from a period that should be focused on national unity. However, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel remains firm on the scheduled date, positing that it is both possible and reasonable to proceed with elections by the end of January.
The larger context
The debate over election timing is set against a backdrop of wider societal issues in Israel, including rising antisemitism globally and the question of Jewish identity. The dialogue has sparked discussions on the endurance of the Jewish people in the face of recurring threats throughout history and the significance of Jewish Pride in such times. The concept of Jewish Pride is championed as an essential countermeasure to hate and a call to reaffirm the value and uniqueness of Jewish culture and identity.
What’s next
A bill initiated by RZP MK Ohad Tal, which would allow for the postponement without the need for the Interior Minister’s approval, is in the process of gathering signatures. The outcome of this legislative effort could bypass Minister Arbel’s decision, leaving the final say on election timing to the Knesset.
This story was first published on jpost.com.