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 the opposition bloc weakening overall. The "change bloc" (opposed to Netanyahu) has seen its support decrease, partly due to the new party formed by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zlicha successfully crossing the electoral threshold for the first time.

According to the survey, if elections were held today, Benny Gantz's National Unity party would emerge as the largest single party with 23 mandates, a decrease of two from the previous poll. The Joint List, representing Arab citizens of Israel, is strengthening, gaining seats at the expense of Zionist parties within the opposition.

Naftali Bennett's Yamina party remains stable with 13 mandates. Other parties showing shifts include Yair Golan's The Democrats, which drops to 10 mandates, and Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu, which falls to 8 mandates. The Joint List also secures 8 mandates. Shas receives 7 mandates, Religious Zionism and Identity get 5, and Ra'am, Ofek Winter's "Am Israel," and Hendel and Zlicha's new party each garner 4 mandates, with the latter's entry marking a significant development.

Several parties, including Blue and White, are polling below the 3.25% electoral threshold and would not enter the Knesset. In terms of preferred prime minister, Gadi Eisenkot leads Netanyahu, with 42% support compared to Netanyahu's 36%. Bennett also shows a slight lead over Netanyahu, with 40% to 39%.

The poll also explored opposition voters' preferences for a prime ministerial candidate, with Eisenkot receiving the highest support at 53%. A majority of opposition voters believe that the declaration of multiple candidates for prime minister by Eisenkot, Bennett, and Lieberman harms the bloc's chances of forming a government. Most believe the candidate should be chosen based on the number of mandates received.