A view of Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – The Israeli municipal elections held in 191 cities and townships Tuesday saw the incumbent mayors in most large cities winning further terms in office. According to Israeli Interior Ministry data, voter turnout was particularly low, at less than 50 percent nationwide.

In Tel Aviv, Mayor Ron Huldai was able to secure a fourth term in office with 53 percent of the vote. Voter turnout was at 31.5 percent. Ahead of the vote, with polls predicting a tight race and low voter turnout, Huldai said, “We have to act as if there’s a war going on. We can never be complacent or dismissive.”

In Haifa, Mayor Yona Yahav won a third term in office with 50 percent of the vote. Ashdod Mayor Yehiel Lasri won 53.74 percent of the vote, Holon Mayor Moti Sasson won 62 percent of the vote, Rishon Lezion Mayor Dov Zur won 70 percent, Rehovot Mayor Rahamim Malul won 83.41 percent, and Kfar Saba Mayor Yehuda Ben-Hamo won 52 percent.

“It seems that voter turnout was higher in smaller municipalities, compared to bigger cities. We have to review the matter and consider the issue of a civic holiday,” said Israeli Interior Minister Gideon Sa’ar.