As Israel approaches a crucial electoral cycle, the political landscape is being shaken by identity-based campaigning. Opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot has reportedly chosen to leverage his Moroccan heritage to challenge traditional loyalties in conservative strongholds such as Sderot, a western Israeli city located near the border with the Gaza Strip.

Electoral advertisements deployed in the area, particularly by Eisenkot's Yashar party, utilize slogans blending Hebrew and Moroccan Arabic. This strategy directly targets historical socio-political divisions within Israeli society, specifically the long-standing gap between Ashkenazi Jews of European origin and Mizrahi Jews originating from the Middle East and North Africa.

Mizrahi communities have historically faced structural neglect and economic disparities since the founding of the state, grievances that were previously capitalized on by the right-wing Likud party. However, Eisenkot's campaign purportedly aims to break this political mould by criticizing the current ruling establishment of the Israeli regime for allegedly sidelining politicians of North African descent, sparking intense public debate and controversies.

Sderot itself remains a deeply traumatized and resilient city following the severe security incidents of October 2023. While the demographic makeup continues to shift with an influx of new residents and the growing influence of national-religious factions, the city's fundamental identity remains tied to its prominent Moroccan-Jewish community, making the outcome of this political maneuvering unpredictable.

Source: www.dw.com