New Poll Shows Likud at 18 Seats, Gantz Leads Netanyahu in Premier Suitability

A new poll published by the Maariv newspaper indicates that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party would secure only 18 seats if elections were held today. Despite this decline, the current government coalition is projected to maintain its strength at 50 seats, largely due to the "Amcha Yisrael" party surpassing the electoral threshold and a slight increase in support 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 expected to hold steady, maintaining their combined 12 seats, with the Joint List securing 7 and the United List taking 5.

When asked about suitability for the role of prime minister, Benny Gantz garnered 48% support, surpassing Netanyahu's 40%. However, the gap between them has narrowed from 12 percentage points in the prior poll to 8 points in the current one. In a hypothetical matchup against Naftali Bennett, Bennett leads Netanyahu 44% to 41%. Netanyahu maintains an advantage over Avigdor Lieberman, with 42% support compared to Lieberman's 38%.

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