Poll: Israelis Favor New Elections or Netanyahu Unity Government Over Minority Rule
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
A new i24NEWS poll indicates that 74% of Israelis oppose a minority government supported by Arab parties. The public is divided between favoring new elections (34%) or a unity government led by Binyamin Netanyahu (34%). Support exists for a broad unity government under Netanyahu focused on key societal issues, with 60% in favor. If new elections were held, the Likud would remain the largest party with 28 seats.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A majority of 74% of Israelis oppose a minority government reliant on Arab parties, according to an i24NEWS poll.
- The Israeli public is split, with 34% favoring new elections and 34% supporting a unity government led by Binyamin Netanyahu.
- Sixty percent of Israelis back a broad unity government under Netanyahu that addresses Haredi conscription and judicial reform.
- Gadi Eisenkot's Yachad party would lose a seat in new elections, falling to 20 seats, while Likud would gain one seat to 28.
- The poll surveyed 559 adult Israelis and was conducted by Direct Bulls Ltd. on November 2, 2026.
A new poll released by i24NEWS reveals that a significant majority of Israelis oppose the formation of a minority government, particularly one relying on Arab parties. When presented with various political scenarios following the recent elections, 34% of respondents favored holding new elections, while another 34% supported forming a unity government led by Binyamin Netanyahu. Only 16% favored a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot, and a mere 14% preferred a unity government also led by Eisenkot.
The poll specifically asked about a minority government headed by Eisenkot, supported by the United Arab List and potentially receiving external backing or abstentions from the Joint List. A strong 74% of Israelis rejected this option, with only 22% in favor. This indicates a clear public preference against such a configuration.
Furthermore, the survey explored support for a broad unity government under Netanyahu, comprising the Likud, Yachad, Together, and Religious Zionism parties. This government would commit to advancing four key principles aimed at bridging societal divides: Haredi conscription, establishing a state inquiry commission, halting Netanyahu's trial, and pursuing judicial reform through consensus. A substantial 60% of the public endorsed this potential unity government, compared to 34% who opposed it.
In a separate question regarding the possibility of new elections, the poll projected parliamentary seat allocations. The Likud would remain the largest party with 28 seats, one more than in the recent election. Gadi Eisenkot's Yachad party would lose a seat, dropping to 20. Other projected results include: Together with 12 seats, the Joint List with 11, Democrats with 8, Yisrael Beiteinu with 7, United Arab List with 7, Yahadut HaTorah with 7, Shas with 7, Religious Zionism-Hutza Mefo'eret with 6, and Otzma Yehudit with 6.
The poll, conducted by Direct Bulls Ltd. and headed by Tzureiel Sharon for i24NEWS on November 2, 2026, surveyed 559 adult participants. The margin of error is ±4.1% at a 95% confidence level.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 1Right 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
