Netanyahu visits Ashkelon in bid to boost Likud vote

ASHKELON — Earning his reputation as an indefatigable campaigner, Likud chief Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Ashkelon to encourage turnout in the Likud-stronghold city.

“We were really, really excited,” resident Yossi Shlomai, 51, says, at seeing Netanyahu and fellow Likud candidates MK Avi Dichter and Boaz Bismuth surprise voters at the packed Ashkelon marina.

“Today is like Independence Day, our prime minister came to visit,” Shlomai says, adding that he plans to vote for Likud later that day after his family and friends wrap up their election day outing.

Sharing the sentiment and ice cream with Shlomai, Talmei Yaffe resident Maya Flato, 50, says that she’s voting for Likud because she wants a leadership change after nearly a year and a half with Netanyahu in the opposition.

“What will be different is that someone with experience” will be in the prime minister’s seat, as opposed to current caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who has only been on the job since July.

Along with Shlomai and Flato, Netivot resident Adir Asher, 30, also supports Likud, but has yet to cast his ballot.

“No, it didn’t change a thing,” Asher says of Netanyahu’s visit, adding that he plans to vote this evening regardless.