Poll Shows Gadi Eisenkot Leading Benjamin Netanyahu in Hypothetical Prime Minister Race

A recent poll indicates that Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, is favored over current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the preferred choice for prime minister if Knesset elections were held today. The survey, conducted by Lazar Research and Panel4All from September 16-17 and published by Maariv, found that 48% of Israelis would prefer Eisenkot, while 40% would choose Netanyahu. In a head-to-head comparison, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also edges out Netanyahu, with 44% preferring Bennett and 41% backing Netanyahu. However, Netanyahu holds an advantage over Avigdor Lieberman, with 42% favoring Netanyahu and 38% supporting Lieberman.

The poll also projected party standings, with Yashar potentially securing 23 seats, followed by Likud with 18, and Bennett's "B'Yachad" party with 13. Yair Golan's "Democrats" and Lieberman's "Yisrael Beiteinu" are each expected to win nine seats. The current coalition government, led by Netanyahu, would garner 50 seats, while an opposition bloc would secure 54. Arab parties could collectively win 12 seats, with "Reservists-Economy" and "Your People Israel" each receiving four. Forming a government requires a minimum of 61 mandates.

Knesset elections are currently scheduled for October 27.