Pollster Predicts Small Parties Could Be Election Surprise
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
A Maariv poll indicates that the success of two small parties in passing the electoral threshold could lead to a tie between political blocs, as no current bloc has a majority. Naftali Bennett's "Yachad" party is showing significant strengthening, while the gap between "Yashar!" and Likud has narrowed to two seats. The election remains highly uncertain until polling day.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Two small parties passing the electoral threshold could create a tie between political blocs, according to a Maariv poll.
- Naftali Bennett's "Yachad" party is experiencing significant strengthening, potentially impacting other parties.
- The gap between Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party and Likud has narrowed to just two seats.
- Increased Arab voter turnout could shift the balance of power, reducing seats for major blocs.
- No political bloc currently holds the 61 seats needed for a majority in the Knesset.
A new poll suggests that the success of two small parties in passing the electoral threshold could significantly alter the balance of power between the political blocs. Dr. Menachem Lazar, the surveyor for Maariv, indicated that while no bloc currently has a clear majority of 61 Knesset seats, the entry of certain parties could lead to a tie.
He also highlighted a significant strengthening of Naftali Bennett's "Yachad" party, attributing this to Bennett's field operations.
Furthermore, the poll shows a narrowing gap between Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party and the Likud, now standing at only two seats. Lazar cautioned that Bennett's continued rise could negatively impact Eisenkot's party, as well as Avigdor Lieberman's "Yisrael Beytenu," and potentially even the "Miluimnikim-Heklalit" party, which also risks not passing the threshold.
Bennett is described as the biggest surprise of the past two weeks, having not only halted his party's decline but also showing an upward trend. However, Lazar believes the upcoming election on Tuesday is too soon for Bennett to fully capitalize on this momentum.
Another factor that could influence the results is the turnout in the Arab sector. Lazar emphasized that the situation remains fluid until election day, with potential shifts occurring even on the day itself, and that ground operations could play a decisive role in such a close election.
Mentioned
