Israeli Sports Stars Reveal Ballots as 26th Knesset Turnout Nears 50%
Israeli sports figures are actively sharing their votes in the 26th Knesset elections, with stars like Eran Zahavi and Tomer Ginat publicly backing Likud and Naftali Bennett respectively.
As the 26th Knesset elections peak with voter turnout nearing 50% and over three million Israelis casting their ballots, sports figures across the country are actively sharing their political choices on social media. Leading athletes and former sports stars have voiced their support for various parties and candidates, sparking widespread public interest alongside long lines at polling stations.
Eran Zahavi, former star of the Israel national football team and Maccabi Tel Aviv, announced he voted for Likud, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Accompanying his disclosure, Zahavi delivered a message of unity: "The real victory in these elections is knowing how to accept each other's choices, love you all." Prime Minister Netanyahu responded to Zahavi's post with a single word: "King."
Other football figures also declared their backing for Likud, including Tom Ben Zaken, captain of F.C. Ashdod, Amir Agayev, and winger Ravid Abergel. Meanwhile, Tomer Ginat, captain of the Israel national basketball team, voted for the BeYachad party led by Naftali Bennett before flying out for EuroLeague matches, writing, "For a better future, amen." Former basketball player Raviv Limond and Ironi Nahariya guard Koren Zourno also supported Bennett.
Eyal Berkovic voiced his support for Gadi Eisenkot and the Yeshar party, joined by his brother Nir Berkovic and former footballer Uri Ozen. Conversely, Eyal's son Lior Berkovic backed the Reservists and Economic Party led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelecha, alongside defender Omri Ben Harush. The Buzaglo family displayed political diversity as well, with Maor Buzaglo supporting Likud while his father, Jacob Buzaglo, backed The Democrats led by Yair Golan.
