Poll Shows Likud Leading, But Right-Wing Bloc Still Short of Majority

A new poll released Thursday by Direct Polls for i24 News indicates the Likud party is leading significantly, securing 26 seats. This places them six seats ahead of "Yesh Atid," which garnered 20 seats. "Bayit Yehudi" followed in third place with 11 seats, and the Democratic party received 10. Otzma Yehudit obtained 9 seats, United Torah Judaism 8, and Shas, Yisrael Beiteinu, and the Joint List each received 7 seats. Further down the list, Religious Zionism and Zehut are projected to win 6 seats, Ra'am 5, and Am Israel 4. The poll's bloc analysis shows the right-wing bloc with 60 seats, falling short of the 61 needed for a majority. The "change bloc" received 48 seats, while Arab parties collectively hold 12 seats. Several parties, including HaMiluimnikim and HaKalkalit, received 2.3% of the vote but failed to pass the electoral threshold. Other parties such as Tzeva Shahor, Blue and White, Noam LeYisrael, HaTzibur HaHaredi, Ahi, and Israel First - Green Leaf also fell below the threshold.