The Bayit Yehudi party recorded several successes in Tuesday’s municipal elections, particularly in peripheral areas.
Alon Davidi, a candidate endorsed by the Bayit Yehudi, has been elected mayor of the city of Sderot, replacing David Buskila.
Davidi was also supported by the Likud-Yisrael Beytenu and Labor parties.
Another candidate endorsed by the Bayit Yehudi, Lalo Zohar, emerged victorious in the city of Kiryat Malachi.
Bayit Yehudi chairman Naftali Bennett arrived on Tuesday night for the post-election celebrations at Zohar’s campaign headquarters. He hailed the municipal elections as a victory for his party.
"Bayit Yehudi has reached the periphery and the periphery has reached Bayit Yehudi,” said Bennett, adding, “This is another victory for the Bayit Yehudi, which tonight became Israel's social party.”
He added, “We've shown that places that have been known as ‘the second Israel’ come first for us. Kiryat Malachi and Sderot decided to improve themselves and we pledge to continue to support them all along.”
Earlier, Bennett congratulated Davidi on winning in Sderot and said, “Religious Zionism made history in Sderot tonight. Alon Davidi who won tonight will lead the residents of Sderot to places they deserve to go. Bayit Yehudi, which supported Davidi together with the Likud, will continue to support Sderot and the entire periphery. This is important news for the entire people of Israel.”
Housing Minister Uri Ariel also welcomed Zohar and Davidi’s victories.
“The Bayit Yehudi is opening itself to new audiences in the local elections as well,” he said. “Many of the Bayit Yehudi’s lists strengthened their power. This is a significant achievement for religious Zionism, which takes responsibility for the entire country and places a strong hand at the helm.”