Dimona's ex-Netanyahu backers shift to Eisenkot as Israel's undecided voters decide

Former Netanyahu supporters in Dimona are campaigning for rival Gadi Eisenkot ahead of Tuesday's election, Israel's first since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Likud's popularity has plummeted, and polls predict Netanyahu's coalition will lose its majority, though Eisenkot lacks a clear path to power. Dimona, where an Iranian missile wounded dozens in March, is a key battleground. About 13% of Israeli voters remain undecided, with only 55% of 2022 Likud voters planning to repeat that vote. Eisenkot's Mizrahi background and security credentials appeal to Likud's traditional base. Netanyahu retains strong support in the Negev, highlighting development investments, and some surveys show wavering voters returning. However, some longtime supporters, citing his age of 77 and the October 7 failures, say it is time for change.