Website Poll Shows Yisrael Beytenu Leading in Knesset Election Preferences

A poll conducted by the Israeli news website Newsru.co.il among its audience indicates that Yisrael Beytenu, led by Avigdor Lieberman, would be the leading party if the 26th Knesset elections were held today, securing 32% of the votes. The poll, which ran from September 9-12 with 3,725 respondents, suggests a significant shift in voter preferences compared to the 2022 elections and previous surveys.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party followed with 18% of the votes, a slight decrease from previous polls. Other parties showing notable support include "BeYachad" (Naftali Bennett) at 9%, "Yashar" (Gadi Eisenkot) at 8%, and "Tzionut Datit veZeut" (Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin) at 6%. The poll also noted that 10% of respondents remain undecided.

When asked about their preferred prime minister, 28% chose Avigdor Lieberman, narrowly ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu at 27%. Naftali Bennett garnered 14%, and Gadi Eisenkot received 11%. Regarding coalition preferences, 38% favored a broad national unity government, while 30% supported a change coalition led by Eisenkot. Only 18% preferred a right-wing and religious coalition led by Netanyahu.

The survey also explored factors influencing voter choice, with the party leader's personality (62%) and security program (61%) being the most cited. The primary concern for voters was security and military threats (34%), followed by religion-state relations and the economy, both at 13%. The poll acknowledges its limitations as a website audience survey, noting that older and male respondents were more active, potentially influencing the results.

Newsru.co.il plans further publications detailing the demographic breakdown of the "Russian-speaking" electorate and their evolving political preferences based on various personal factors. The survey was conducted after the Central Elections Committee published the full list of 38 participating parties and blocs.