Website Poll Shows Yisrael Beiteinu Leading in Voter Preference

A poll conducted by the Israeli news website Newsru.co.il among its readers indicates that if elections for the 26th Knesset were held today, the Yisrael Beiteinu party, led by Avigdor Lieberman, would receive 32% of the votes. This represents a slight decrease from its standing two months prior. The Likud party, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, is projected to receive 18% of the votes, also a slight decrease. Other parties showing significant support include "Behad" (Naftali Bennett) with 9%, "Yashar" (Gadi Eisenkot) with 8%, and "Tzionut Datit Vezehut" (Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin) with 6%.

The survey, which ran from September 9-12 and included 3,725 respondents, is noted as not being a strict sociological study but rather indicative of the website's audience. The results suggest a shift in voter preferences since the election date was announced, with a notable redistribution of votes among Russian-speaking voters compared to the 2022 elections. Security and military threats were identified as the primary concern for voters, followed by religion-state relations and the economy.

Regarding leadership, Avigdor Lieberman was favored by 28% of respondents to serve as Prime Minister, narrowly ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu at 27%. Naftali Bennett followed with 14%, and Gadi Eisenkot with 11%. When asked about preferred coalition formations, 38% favored a broad national unity government, while 30% supported a coalition of change parties led by Eisenkot. Notably, 18% preferred a right-wing and religious coalition led by Netanyahu, despite a significant portion of voters for these parties indicating a preference for a unity government.

The poll also explored voter intentions and influences. 77% of participants stated they had already decided on their vote, with 75% likely to stick to their choice. The personality of a party leader was the most significant factor influencing voter choice for 62% of respondents, followed closely by party platforms on security (61%) and the economy (55%). The survey was conducted after the Central Elections Committee published the full list of 38 participating parties and blocs.