New Poll Shows Netanyahu's Likud Weakening, Opposition Bloc Shrinks

A new poll released by Channel 12 News indicates a shift in the Israeli political landscape, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party losing one seat to 20 mandates, and Benny Gantz's National Unity party dropping two seats to 23 mandates, making it the largest party in the survey. The poll, conducted after the finalization of party lists for the 26th Knesset, shows the "change bloc" opposing Netanyahu weakening, largely due to the new party formed by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha surpassing the electoral threshold for the first time with 4 mandates.

The joint Arab list is strengthening within the bloc, gaining seats at the expense of Zionist parties. Naftali Bennett's Yamina party remains stable with 13 mandates. Other parties showing shifts include Yair Golan's The Democrats, down to 10 mandates, and Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu, with 8 mandates. United Torah Judaism and the Joint List also secure 8 mandates each. Shas receives 7 mandates, Religious Zionism and Identity 5, while Ra'am, Ofek Israel, and the Hendel-Zelekha party each garner 4 mandates, narrowly clearing the threshold.

Several parties, including Blue and White, Israel First, the Haredi Public, and Noam, fall below the 4-seat electoral threshold. In terms of leadership preference, Gadi Eisenkot leads Netanyahu, with 42% preferring Eisenkot as Prime Minister compared to Netanyahu's 36%. Naftali Bennett also edges out Netanyahu in a separate comparison, with 40% support versus Netanyahu's 39%.

When asked about the opposition bloc's strategy, a majority of opposition voters believe that multiple candidates declaring their candidacy for Prime Minister harms the bloc's chances of forming a government. Regarding the criteria for selecting an opposition candidate, 65% of opposition voters believe the number of mandates should be the deciding factor, while 25% prioritize extensive political experience. A significant 71% of opposition voters desire a declared official candidate for Prime Minister.