Poll Predicts Opposition Bloc to Outperform Netanyahu's Camp in Israeli Elections

A new poll released Friday by the Maariv newspaper forecasts a significant shift in the upcoming Israeli elections, scheduled for late October. The survey suggests the Likud party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will see its strength diminish. The poll indicates that Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, and Naftali Bennett, head of the Yamina party, are both more favored by the public to serve as prime minister than Netanyahu.

Following the submission of party slates, the poll projects the following seat distribution: National Unity (Yachad) 25 seats, Likud 19 seats, Yesh Atid 15 seats, Democratic Union 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 Am Israel Party 4 seats.

Based on these projections, opposition parties currently against Netanyahu would collectively secure 58 seats, while Netanyahu's bloc would garner 50 seats. Arab parties are predicted to win a total of 12 seats. The poll also noted that 7.5% of respondents are undecided about voting.

Regarding preferred leadership, Gantz received 50% support as the most suitable candidate for prime minister, compared to Netanyahu's 38%. Bennett garnered 45% support against Netanyahu's 40%. However, Netanyahu outperformed Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, with 41% to Lieberman's 38%.

Furthermore, the survey revealed that 79% of respondents 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. Another 12% were unsure of their actions.