Opposition's Anti-Netanyahu Tactics Backfire, Poll Suggests

A recent poll indicates that criticism leveled against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party, particularly around the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks, may have inadvertently strengthened his position. According to Maariv's pollster, Dr. Menachem Lazar, the gap between the political blocs has narrowed significantly in recent weeks, with the number of undecided voters dropping to about 5%. Lazar noted that the race for the top spot between Likud and the Yashar! party has become highly uncertain, a development that was difficult to predict just a month ago. He attributes the strengthening of the coalition bloc to two main factors: the emergence of Ofer Vinter, who is attracting right-wing voters potentially disillusioned with Likud, and the return of undecided Likud voters to the party. Lazar suggests that attempts to politically damage Netanyahu might have backfired, especially given the heightened emotions surrounding the October 7th anniversary commemorations. He posits that public questions about the preparedness of security forces, despite alleged warnings, could be shifting public perception of responsibility in Netanyahu's favor. party, though Lazar cautions against interpreting this as a new trend. Support for Arab parties remains largely unchanged, with Lazar estimating they will collectively win only 12 seats, citing low turnout and uncertainty among Arab voters. Two parties, "Amcha Yisrael" and "Reservists and Economic Party," are noted as being precariously close to the electoral threshold, with their success or failure potentially tipping the scales.