BICOM

Israelis went to the polls yesterday in lower numbers than expected and returned the incumbent mayors of the country’s major cities to office.

In perhaps the most keenly fought contest, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat fought off the challenge of the official Likud-Beitenu candidate Moshe Leon, garnering 51 per cent of the vote to Leon’s 45 per cent. Just 38 per cent of Jerusalemites cast their vote, fewer than in previous elections. The campaign in Jerusalem had taken on national political overtones, with Leon closely backed by Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman and also supported by Shas leader Aryeh Deri.

During his victory speech, Barkat said, “This race was not easy at all… It was one of the hardest, most complicated races.” He continued, “Tonight I want to embrace the people of Jerusalem and send out a message that we need to join forces, including with those who worked against us.” Initial results indicate that ultra-Orthodox factions, which largely opposed Barkat, increased their strength on Jerusalem’s city council.

Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, where a reported thirty one per cent of residents voted, incumbent Mayor Ron Huldai secured a fourth term in office. Huldai received 53 per cent of the vote, defeating his main rival, Meretz MK Nitzan Horowitz, who received 38 per cent. Huldai commented, “As of tomorrow morning, I am everybody’s mayor,” saying that regardless of socio-economic status, race or religion “Everyone in Tel Aviv-Jaffa is a resident of Tel Aviv-Jaffa,” calling it a “free city.”

Elsewhere, Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav retained office as did Beer Sheva Mayor Rubik Danilovitch, who polled a landslide 92 per cent of the vote. Former Kadima MK Ze’ev Bielski was elected as Mayor of Ra’anana, a position he held prior to entering the Knesset.