New Poll Shows Likud at 18 Seats, Gantz Leads Netanyahu for PM

A new poll published by the Maariv newspaper indicates that the Likud party, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, would secure only 18 seats if elections were held today. The current government coalition, however, maintains its strength at 50 seats, bolstered by "Amcha Yisrael" surpassing the electoral threshold and a gain of one seat for "Religious Zionism-Identity."

In the opposition, the "Yesh Atid" party lost two seats compared to the previous poll, while "Bayad" and "The Democrats" each dropped one seat. The Zionist opposition, excluding parties led by Yoaz Hendel and Zehava Galon, would collectively win 54 seats. Arab parties are projected to retain their current standing with 12 seats, divided between the Joint List (7 seats) and the United List (5 seats).

When asked about suitability for the role of Prime Minister, Gadi Eisenkot garnered 48% of the vote, surpassing Benjamin Netanyahu's 40%. This represents a narrowing of the gap between them from 12 percentage points in the prior poll to 8 points in the current one. In a hypothetical contest against Naftali Bennett, Bennett leads Netanyahu 44% to 41%. Netanyahu, however, maintains an advantage over Avigdor Lieberman, with 42% supporting Netanyahu compared to 38% for Lieberman.

The poll also surveyed Israeli public opinion on aiding Saudi Arabia against the Houthis. A majority of 54% believe Israel should assist Saudi Arabia, with 38% stipulating that such aid should be contingent on a normalization agreement. Sixteen percent support providing aid without immediate political reciprocation, while 26% oppose any assistance, and 20% were undecided.