New Poll Shows Bennett's Party Surging Ahead of Israeli Elections

With just 12 days remaining until the Israeli parliamentary elections, Naftali Bennett's political party has significantly strengthened its position, according to a new poll. The survey, conducted by NEXT DATA for Channel 14, indicates Bennett's party is projected to gain four seats, increasing its representation in the Knesset from 7 to 11 mandates.

The ruling Likud party, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, maintains a firm lead, expected to secure 29 seats. A new movement called Yashar, headed by Gadi Eisenkot, is emerging as a major contender, projected to win 20 mandates and establishing itself as a significant force in the race.

Other parties are also seeing shifts. The Democrats have dropped two points, now predicted to get 8 seats, matching the ultra-right Otzma Yehudit party led by Itamar Ben-Gvir. The United List is expected to win 9 mandates, while the Sephardic religious party Shas is holding steady at 10 seats. United Torah Judaism anticipates 8 seats, and the Religious Zionism bloc with the Zehut movement is projected to gain 7 seats.

Parties Yisrael Beiteinu and Ra'am are each predicted to receive 5 mandates. A list of reservist economists, with 3.1% of the vote, currently remains below the electoral threshold.

In terms of blocs, the right-wing bloc is projected to form a majority with 62 mandates. Left-wing parties collectively could secure 44 seats, and Arab political factions 14 seats.

Regarding preferred prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu leads with 52% support, followed by Gadi Eisenkot with 32%, Naftali Bennett with 11%, and Avigdor Lieberman with 5%. In a direct head-to-head, Netanyahu is ahead of Eisenkot by four percentage points (52% to 48%). The poll surveyed 568 adult Israeli citizens.