Polls Show Religious Voters Fleeing Likud for Smotrich and Ben-Gvir
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
Polls reveal that 56% of national-religious voters who previously supported the Likud party are now leaving it, citing corruption and a lack of religious representation. Pollster Shmuel Rosner notes that candidates seem more focused on positions than ideology. While this group was considered a key swing demographic, the undecided votes appear to be staying within the right-wing bloc, with Netanyahu and Likud bearing the brunt of the voter dissatisfaction.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- 56% of national-religious Likud voters have abandoned the party, according to recent polls.
- Voters cite corruption and lack of religious candidates as reasons for leaving Likud.
- Pollster Shmuel Rosner believes candidates prioritize seats over ideology.
- The national-religious sector had the highest percentage of undecided voters.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu and Likud are seen as paying the price for government conduct.
Recent polls indicate a significant shift among national-religious voters, with 56% who previously voted for the Likud party now abandoning it. Reasons cited for this departure include disgust with corruption and a lack of religious candidates in prominent positions within the party. Pollster Shmuel Rosner suggests these voters feel candidates are more interested in their seats than in ideology.
The national-religious public was identified early in the election cycle as a key demographic that could reshape the political landscape. According to data from Rosner, approximately 20% of religious voters have been undecided in recent months, a higher proportion than any other sector. Factors such as the heavy price paid by reservists from this community and perceived dismissive treatment from the ultra-Orthodox community appeared to be creating a rift within the coalition bloc that could impact the overall political map.
However, as the election nears and most undecided voters have made their choices, it appears the parliamentary seats have remained within the bloc. The primary beneficiaries of the "full right-wing government's" conduct are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party, who are seen as paying the price for this shift.
