Poll Shows Opposition Voters Favor Gadi Eisenkot as Leader Against Netanyahu

A new poll indicates that while opposition supporters view Gadi Eisenkot as the leading candidate to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the internal competition among potential leaders is hindering the bloc's chances of forming a government. The poll, released Monday evening, reveals that the opposition bloc remains short of the 61 seats needed for a majority.

Among opposition supporters, 59% identify Gadi Eisenkot as the current leader of the bloc, with Naftali Bennett receiving 19% and Avigdor Lieberman 11%. When asked who is best suited to be prime minister, Eisenkot garnered 53% support, compared to 31% for Bennett and 13% for Lieberman.

However, the rivalry between the three figures is a cause for concern, as 52% of opposition voters believe their competition is reducing the bloc's chances of winning. Conversely, 38% disagree.

Regarding the selection of a prime ministerial candidate, 65% of opposition supporters believe the deciding factor should be the number of mandates a party receives, while only 25% prioritize political experience.

Opinions are divided on when to announce a candidate to replace Netanyahu. 37% want the candidate named immediately, 34% prefer to wait closer to the election, and 17% do not wish to know at this stage.

Among Netanyahu's supporters, Eisenkot also emerged as the preferred opposition candidate (25%), followed by Bennett (13%) and Lieberman (10%). Notably, 52% of Netanyahu's supporters could not identify a preferred opposition candidate.

The primary challenge for Eisenkot, Bennett, and Lieberman remains their ability to attract voters outside the opposition camp and shift from personal rivalry back to a unified campaign against Netanyahu, according to the report.