This morning (Wednesday), the municipal committee of the Likud movement informed former Knesset member Oren Hazan, who is running for the mayoral position of Ariel, that it will endorse him in his candidacy. The committee members, Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Brot, Zuri Siso, CEO of the Likud party, former Knesset member Osnat Mark, and Shay Hajaj, head of the regional authority, sent the letter to former Knesset member Hazan, providing significant support for his candidacy.
Oren Hazan, former Knesset member and leading candidate for the mayoral position of Ariel, stated: "I thank the members of the Likud municipal committee for their support of my candidacy for the mayoral position. After last week, when the employees of Ariel University and the National Union announced their support for me in preparation for the significant change we aim to bring to the capital of Samaria, it is heartening to know that the ruling party also backs us and joins the revolution we will lead in the city. I have no doubt that the long-standing connection I have with Likud and the government ministers will bring great news to the residents of Ariel. This is truly outstanding news for the city of Ariel. On October 31st, with the help of God, we will lead Ariel onto a new path."
As mentioned, last week the National Union (Histadrut) and the Ariel University Workers' Committee announced their support for former MK Hazan. However, it was later revealed that the announcement was made contrary to the position of the workers, who expressed their frustration and anger. According to their claim, the decision was not transparently reached, and they oppose any form of support, certainly without consulting all the employees. Despite the embarrassing saga, it should be noted that the Likud party's endorsement of Hazan constitutes a highly significant move ahead of the local elections in the city.
The race for mayor: 9 candidates and a battle between Likud and Religious Zionism
There are several other candidates running for the position of mayor of Ariel due to the non-participation of the incumbent mayor, Eli Shaviro. Apart from Hazan, there are eight more candidates, five of whom are current council members: Yair Shitbon, Yehiel Tohemi, Pavel Polev, Yosi Chen, and Ella Weiner. In addition to the council members, Roee Most, Shay Bernthal, and Elad have also announced their candidacy.
It should be noted that on the eve of the announcement of the candidacy of the endorsed candidate, Yair Shitbon, members of the Knesset from the Religious Zionist movement, Michal Waldiger and Moshe Solomon, arrived. Thus, following the Likud's declaration of support for Hazan, a direct battle is expected to unfold between the two coalition parties for the mayoral position of the city, known as the "Capital of Samaria."