New Poll Shows Bennett, Lapid Rising; Smotrich Surges, Winter Struggles

A new poll released Wednesday by Walla! News indicates a significant shift in the Israeli political landscape, particularly following the union between Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir's parties. The "Yisrael Beitenu" party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, remains the largest party with 24 seats, followed by the Likud with 22. The "Bayit Yehudi" party gains strength, securing 15 seats, while "HaDemocratim" receives 10. Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu garners 9 seats, with the Joint List and United Torah Judaism each receiving 8. Otzma Yehudit and Shas both obtain 7 seats, and Ra'am and the Religious Zionism party each get 5 seats.

The poll shows positive results for Smotrich, who has struggled to cross the electoral threshold in recent surveys. The merger with Ben-Gvir appears to have provided the necessary votes, allowing the Religious Zionism party to pass the threshold. Conversely, Ofer Winter's party fails to cross the electoral threshold, indicating a difficult position for him.

The survey also breaks down the blocs, with the right-wing bloc receiving 48 seats, the "change bloc" (anti-Netanyahu coalition) securing 59 seats, and Arab parties collectively receiving 13 seats. This distribution suggests a potential shift in the balance of power within the Knesset.