Poll Predicts Coalition Losses for Netanyahu, Opposition Gains

A new poll released Friday by the Israeli newspaper "Maariv" projects a significant decline in the Likud party's strength in the upcoming elections scheduled for late October. The survey indicates that Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yachad" party, and Naftali Bennett, head of the "B'Yachad" list, are both favored over current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the premiership.

The "Maariv" poll, conducted after parties submitted their candidate lists, forecasts the following seat distribution: Yachad 25 seats, Likud 19 seats, B'Yachad 15 seats, Democrats 10 seats, Yisrael Beiteinu 9 seats, Otzma Yehudit 8 seats, United Torah Judaism 7 seats, Shas 7 seats, the Joint List 7 seats, the United Arab List 5 seats, Religious Zionism and Moshe Feiglin 5 seats, and Amcha Israel led by Ofer Winter 4 seats.

Based on these projections, anti-Netanyahu opposition parties would collectively secure 58 seats, Netanyahu's bloc would receive 50 seats, and Arab parties would gain 12 seats. The poll also noted that 7.5% of respondents remain undecided about voting.

Regarding suitability for the prime minister role, Eisenkot garnered 50% support compared to Netanyahu's 38%. Bennett received 45% support against Netanyahu's 40%. However, Netanyahu outperformed Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, with 41% to Lieberman's 38%.

Furthermore, 79% of those surveyed stated they would not emigrate from Israel even if their preferred party is not in the next government. Conversely, 9% indicated they would consider emigrating under such circumstances, including 15% of opposition party voters, with 2% definitively stating they would leave. The remaining 12% were undecided on their actions.