Russian-Speaking Israelis Favor Yisrael Beytenu, Poll Shows

A survey conducted by the Israeli news site Newsru.co.il, focusing on the electorate for the 26th Knesset, has revealed distinct political preferences among Russian-speaking Israelis. The poll, which is not a formal sociological study but rather an indicator of the website's audience, found that Yisrael Beytenu (NDI) would receive 32% of the votes if elections were held today. The Likud party followed with 18%, and Bayahad with 9%.

When asked about preferred prime ministerial candidates, Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beytenu garnered 28% support, narrowly ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud at 27%. Naftali Bennett received 14% support.

The survey also detailed voting patterns based on various demographics. Right-wing identifiers overwhelmingly supported Yisrael Beytenu (31%) and Likud (30%), with Netanyahu as their preferred prime minister (46%). Centrists favored Yisrael Beytenu (35%) and Bayahad (21%), preferring Lieberman for prime minister (28%). Left-wing identifiers strongly supported Democrats (60%), with Yair Golan as their preferred prime minister (28%).

Further analysis showed that while women in the general population tend to lean left or center, Russian-speaking women in this survey showed a slight preference for Netanyahu's Likud (20%) over Lieberman's Yisrael Beytenu (28% for men). Younger voters (under 40) favored Bayahad (23%), while older demographics, particularly those over 71, overwhelmingly supported Yisrael Beytenu and Likud, with Lieberman being the preferred prime minister for the oldest groups.

Educational attainment showed a trend where higher education correlated with support for Yisrael Beytenu and Likud, with Netanyahu being the preferred prime minister among those with higher degrees. Religious observance also played a role, with secular voters favoring Yisrael Beytenu and Likud, while traditional and religious voters leaned towards the Religious Zionism party and Likud, with Netanyahu as their clear choice for prime minister. Income level indicated that lower incomes favored Yisrael Beytenu and Lieberman, while higher incomes showed a preference for Likud and Netanyahu.

Immigration origin and time in Israel also influenced choices. While immigrants from the former Soviet Union showed strong support for both Yisrael Beytenu and Likud, those from Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova leaned more towards Yisrael Beytenu. Those who immigrated more recently (2022-2026) showed support for Yisrael Beytenu, Bayahad, and Democrats, while long-term residents (1989 or earlier) favored Likud and Yisrael Beytenu, with Netanyahu as their preferred prime minister. Regional data showed Yisrael Beytenu leading in Haifa, Tel Aviv, the Center, and the South, while Likud and Religious Zionism saw stronger support in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria. Those who served in the IDF showed a preference for Yisrael Beytenu and Likud, with Netanyahu as preferred PM, while non-service members leaned towards Yisrael Beytenu and Lieberman.

Newsru.co.il plans to publish additional analyses based on this survey data.