Crime Figures Back Ra'am, Joint List, and Golan in Israel Vote

Israeli organized crime figures exercised their voting rights on Wednesday, with sources indicating their support spans multiple political factions. The preferences reported to Walla include backing for the two main Arab parties and a prominent left-wing candidate.

Sources close to the Jarushi family, linked to a major Israeli crime organization, stated that the family supports Ra'am and the Joint List. Associates of Eitan Hiya said his preference is Yair Golan, a visible figure on the Israeli political Left. These reported leanings show a diverse range of views within criminal circles.

The report notes that no single political camp dominates these groups. Belonging to a specific crime organization does not dictate a uniform voting pattern. The information comes from associates and does not confirm how each individual actually cast their ballot.

Voting also occurred inside Israeli prisons on Wednesday. Polling stations at all detention facilities closed at 8 p.m., and the Israel Prison Service reported a turnout of 88.7% among eligible prisoners and detainees. The service coordinated with the Central Elections Committee under the leadership of Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi.

Judges and official observers visited facilities during the day to oversee the process. Ballots were cast in secret under strict security and public order measures. The high participation rate reflects the democratic rights retained by inmates despite their detention status.

The state continues to manage the intersection of organized crime and the legal system. The Law for the Protection of the Public from Criminal Organizations, effective at the end of 2024, allows courts to impose restrictions on people in such organizations without a formal indictment. Courts can bar individuals from certain areas or prohibit contact with specified people if strict legal conditions are met.

This legal framework aims to prevent harm to public safety when criminal proceedings are insufficient. However, association with the criminal underworld does not automatically remove the right to vote. A ballot cast by someone linked to these groups carries the same weight as that of any other eligible citizen.