Anecdotal evidence suggests that Arab-Israeli turnout is very high in the Israeli elections. It appears high enough that Netanyahu is using it as a battle cry.
Likud is troubled over high voter turnout in the Arab community. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently uploaded a video to his Facebook page in which he said: “The right-wing government is in danger. Arab voters are coming out in droves to the polls. Left-wing organizations are busing them out. We have no V15, we have Order 8 [code for emergency call up to IDF reserve duty], we have only you. Get out to vote, bring your friends and family, vote Likud in order to close the gap between us and ‘Labor.’”
This, of course, elicited a stinging response:
Avigdor Lieberman on Twitter: “Netanyahu also knows that if the Arabs are voting in droves, only a strong Lieberman can stop them.”
…
Joint List candidate and MK Dov Khenin petitioned the Central Elections Committee to remove the Likud campaign that casts Arab voters in a negative light.
“A prime minister who campaigns against voting by citizens belonging to an ethnic minority is crossing a red line of incitement and racism. This is especially severe on Election Day, when the message to Israeli citizens is to participate in the elections, vote, and take part in the democratic system. A statement like that, issued by the prime minister, shows that he has completely lost his way and that he is ready to break all the principles of democracy to safeguard his regime.”
Meretz chairwoman Zehava Galon also slammed the prime minister, sharing his Facebook post and commenting laconically, “Serious warning: Israeli citizens are voting in the elections.”
Also, the Central Elections Committee issued an injunction that will prevent Netanyahu from having a live broadcast this evening.
Did you know that the Israelis have the day off from work today?
What a country!
Bibi transparency/honesty is somewhat refreshing — not hesitant to tell the world he’s a racist scumbag.
We get coded language from candidates. Like “47% just want free stuff.” Voter ID is to prevent voter fraud, a virtually non-existent crime at polls. In private settings am sure white people are urged to vote because the “blahs” and the Mexicans are turning out in droves. And liberals are urged to vote because the fundies (being collected and driven to the polls by their church vans) are formidable at the ballot box.
America could learn from Israel by having election day a holiday! The TP/GOP hate that idea I am sure for they want less voters at the polls. Just like Bibi.
If he loses his post, it would seem that Netanyahu would have a bright future as a Republican strategist.
AIPAC congressional lobbyist. Good food and drink, and some big bucks on the side working out military procurements.
Analysis based on data suggests its comparable to previous years. Never ever rely on anecdotes.
I think Netanyahoo will survive, barely and be forced into a supremely messy coalition.
Overall turnout is comparable, but plenty of reason to think that Arab turnout will be higher.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/03/17/israel-elections/24890227/
Worse they I thought.
Stellar news, if it holds up!
He’s behaving like a raving racist asshole. But you know, it’s good for him to show who he actually he is (he has for a long time, but the media likes to pretend).
I wonder how long until secret documents are leaked about Netanyahu’s secret “Final Solution to the Arab problem”. Honestly, the guy has become ENTIRELY like the evil that he pretends to abhore.
I don’t know, MSM seems to think he’s going to survive.
But you know what? If he does win it will be a Pyrrhic victory. because things are going to be even worse for Israel with the US and the rest of the world (except their one true friend, Saudi Arabia).
Netanyahu’s election campaign reminds me yet again of this:
Israel wants to be a
but it can be only two of those things.
It’s obvious which one Likud would give up.