Website Poll Shows Yisrael Beytenu Leading in Voter Preference

A poll conducted by the Israeli news website Newsru.co.il among its audience from September 9-12, with 3,725 respondents, indicates that Yisrael Beytenu would be the leading party if elections were held today. The poll, which is not a formal sociological study but is considered indicative by the website's editors, showed Yisrael Beytenu securing 32% of the vote. This represents a slight decrease from its previous standing two months prior. The Likud party followed with 18%, also showing a slight decline. Other parties like "Bayehad" (formerly Yesh Atid) garnered 9%, "Yashar" (led by Gadi Eisenkot) 8%, and "Tzionut Datit Vezehut" (Religious Zionism and Zehut) 6%. The poll also noted that the older and male demographic was most active, potentially influencing the results.

Regarding voter priorities, 62% of respondents cited the party leader's personality as a key factor, followed by security (61%) and economic (55%) platforms. When asked about the single most important issue for their vote, 34% prioritized security and military threats, while 13% each focused on religion-state relations and the economy. The poll also explored voter intentions, with 77% stating they had already decided on a party, and 75% likely to stick with their choice.

In terms of preferred leadership, Avigdor Lieberman was favored by 28% for Prime Minister, narrowly ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu at 27%. For coalition formation, 38% preferred a "broad national unity government," while 30% supported a change coalition led by Eisenkot. Notably, a significant portion of those intending to vote for right-wing and religious parties did not necessarily favor a right-wing religious coalition, suggesting a preference for broader unity governments among some of their supporters.

Looking ahead, 41% of respondents predict "Yashar" will win the most mandates, a significant increase from two months ago, while 32% predict the Likud will lead. The likelihood of coalition formation was viewed with some pessimism, with 18% expecting new elections soon, an increase from previous polls.