Shopping the therapy of choice for some Israelis on election day

Israelis made the most of their national holiday on Tuesday, but there were indications in places that some were preferring retail therapy to voting.

With early turnout figures hinting at a low level of interest, queues formed outside shops around the country as staff implemented a one-in, one-out policy because of coronavirus restrictions.

But many enjoyed their day off after casting a ballot.

Adi Biton, who described herself as a Likudnik, said she voted for its main rival Yesh Atid.

“I can’t vote for Netanyahu,” she said.

“I voted for Yair Lapid, though I’m not sure I have faith in him.

“But it’s time to freshen things up. I weighed up the other options and really couldn’t vote for any of them.”

But for others, the Israeli prime minister for the past 12 years was the man to support.

Gadi Mavgauker told the Jewish News that the corruption allegations against Benjamin Netanyahu were “not connected” to whether he deserved his vote.

“If he’s proved guilty he’ll get what’s coming to him, but if not, he should be Prime Minister,” he said.

Mavgauker said he decided to vote for Netanyahu because “for the last 12 years, since he was elected, things have been good here.”

Yet British oleh Daniel Tarlow said he was “very very upset with the behaviour of Netanyahu.”

The British oleh believes that the PM has acted selfishly in his personal affairs, and that he derailed the coalition agreement that Benny Gantz made with him in the thick of the pandemic.

Tarlow opted for the Likud breakaway party, New Hope, led by Gideon Saar.