Poll Shows Coalition Voters More Optimistic Than Opposition

A new poll released Friday indicates that voters supporting the current coalition parties are more optimistic about their bloc winning the upcoming general elections than opposition voters are about their bloc's victory. The survey, published by the Maariv newspaper, also projected that Arab parties would secure 14 seats in the Knesset. If elections were held now, the poll forecasts the Yishai party would win 21 seats, followed by the Likud party with 18. The Biahad list is projected to get 13 seats, the Democrats 9, and Yisrael Beiteinu, Otzma Yehudit, the Joint List, and Yahadut HaTorah would each receive 8 seats. Shas is predicted to win 7 seats, while Religious Zionism and Moshe Feiglin's faction would get 6, and the United List also 6. Amcha Israel and the Reserve and Economic Elements lists are projected to win 4 seats each. These results would lead to a tie between the coalition and opposition blocs, with 51 seats each, plus 14 for Arab parties and 4 for the Reserve and Economic Elements list. Regarding suitability for prime minister, Gadi Eisenkot garnered 48% support, compared to 41% for Benjamin Netanyahu. Naftali Bennett and Netanyahu tied at 43% for prime ministerial suitability, while Netanyahu also led Avigdor Lieberman 43% to 37%. Overall, 79% of Israelis believe their chosen bloc will win, with 90% of coalition voters optimistic versus 75% of opposition voters. In the event of no majority, 55% of Israelis prefer a unity government, 27% favor new elections, and 18% are undecided. Opposition voters are more inclined towards a unity government led by one of their own leaders (54%) than coalition voters are towards one led by Netanyahu (36%).