New Poll Shows Shifting Alliances Ahead of 2026 Israeli Elections

A recent poll conducted by Kan reveals significant shifts in Israel's political landscape, with the balance of power between the opposition and the ruling coalition remaining precarious. The survey indicates a close race, with new political projects challenging established parties.

The centrist party Yashar!, led by Gadi Eisenkot, currently leads the polls with an projected 23 Knesset seats. The ruling Likud party, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, follows closely with 21 seats. Naftali Bennett's new political venture, Be Yahad, has secured a notable third position with 12 seats. Other parties showing significant support include Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu with 9 seats, and the New Democrats bloc led by Yair Golan with 8 seats.

Traditional blocs on the center-right remain stable. Yahadut HaTorah, Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit, Shas, and the United Arab List are each projected to win 8 seats. Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism bloc, including Moshe Feiglin, is expected to gain 6 seats, while the Arab party Ra'am is projected to receive 5 seats. The centrist Ihud party, founded by Yauz Handel, is expected to cross the electoral threshold with 4 seats, potentially giving it strategic influence.

However, several prominent parties, including Benny Gantz's Blue and White, the reservists' movement Miluimnikim, and Ofir Winter's Amcha Israel project, risk failing to pass the electoral threshold and enter the Knesset.

The potential coalition mathematics remain highly unstable. The opposition currently holds a combined 52 seats, while the current coalition commands 51 seats. Arab parties hold 13 seats. The 4 seats projected for Ihud could prove decisive in forming the next government, as they could align with either the opposition or the coalition.

Earlier reports from "Cursor" covered a different poll concerning the elections and the investigation committee into October 7.