Poll Shows Joint List at 7 Knesset Seats, Opposition Far From Government Majority

A new poll indicates that the Joint List party would secure 7 seats in the Knesset, while opposition Zionist parties fall short of forming a government with only 57 seats. The survey, published by the Maariv newspaper, projects the "Yashar" party to lead with 23 seats, followed by the Likud party with 20 seats, and "B'Yachad" with 15 seats. Other projected seat allocations include "Democrats" (10), "Yisrael Beiteinu" (9), "Otzma Yehudit" (8), "Yahadut HaTorah" (7), the Joint List (7), "Shas" (7), the United List (5), Religious Zionism and Feiglin (5), and "Amichai Israel" led by Ofer Winter (4). Despite the opposition's inability to form a government, poll respondents found Gadi Eisenkot, leader of "Yashar," and Naftali Bennett, leader of "B'Yachad," more suitable for the role of Prime Minister than current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot garnered 48% suitability compared to Netanyahu's 39%, while Bennett received 43% compared to Netanyahu's 39%.

The poll also revealed that 55% of Israelis fear another war between Israel and Iran in the near future. Regarding accusations made by Sara Netanyahu against "Democrats" leader Yair Golan concerning prior knowledge of the October 7th attack, 44% of respondents, including 64% of opposition voters, do not believe in an "inside betrayal." Conversely, 40% of respondents, including 61% of coalition voters, believe such a betrayal occurred.

Furthermore, 52% of opposition party voters believe that other alliances should be formed among opposition parties before the elections, while 27% prefer the parties to run separately.