Poll Shows Netanyahu Widening Lead Over Eisenkot Amid Controversy
A new poll conducted by Channel 14 in Israel indicates a significant shift in public opinion following a controversy involving Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity party. The survey suggests a weakening of Eisenkot's party and a strengthening of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party.
The controversy stems from claims made by the head of the Touba-Zangaria local council, Mu'id Al-Haib, who alleged that Eisenkot promised during a meeting to work towards including the Arab Ra'am party in a future government led by him. The National Unity party has vehemently denied these claims.
According to the poll results released Thursday, September 17, 2026, the Likud party gained one seat, increasing its total to 31 mandates, while the National Unity party lost one seat, dropping to 20 mandates. This expands the gap between the two parties from 9 to 11 mandates compared to the previous poll conducted on Tuesday, September 15.
In the race for prime minister, Netanyahu saw his support increase from 51% to 55%, while Eisenkot's support dropped from 35% to 29%. In a head-to-head matchup, Netanyahu leads Eisenkot by 14 percentage points, with 57% support compared to Eisenkot's 43%.
The poll surveyed 817 adults and was conducted by NEXT DATA, with data analysis by Shlomo Filber. The right-wing bloc maintained its stability with 64 mandates, while the left-wing bloc secured 44 mandates, and Arab parties collectively received 12 mandates.
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