Most Israelis Unhappy With Election Results, Poll Finds

A recent poll indicates that a majority of Israelis are dissatisfied with the results of the recent Knesset elections, with 62% expressing discontent compared to 33% who are satisfied. Among Jewish Israelis, dissatisfaction rises to 73%, while 75% of Arab citizens are pleased with the outcome, a sentiment attributed to the increased representation of Arab parties and the loss of majority for the outgoing coalition. Despite widespread dissatisfaction with the results, most alternative government formations also lack public support. The "Index of Israeli Society" survey, conducted by the Institute for Jewish People's Policy, found that only one of ten examined coalition configurations garnered majority approval: a government comprising the Likud, Yashar, Be'ahad, and NDI parties, which would hold 67 seats. However, forming such a coalition faces practical hurdles, as Likud would need to partner with parties that have pledged not to join a government under its leadership. Nevertheless, 51% of Israelis, including 57% of Jews, favor a right-center coalition excluding ultra-Orthodox, Arab parties, Otzma Yehudit, and Religious Zionism. The poll did not address potential leadership for such a government. A coalition of opposition and Arab parties emerged as the most popular option for government formation, supported by 36% of respondents, amid difficulties in establishing a stable government. The survey also highlighted divisions regarding a national unity government, with 22% of Likud supporters ruling out a union with Yashar and 27% with Be'ahad. Conversely, 53% of Yashar voters oppose cooperating with Likud, and 30% of Be'ahad supporters feel the same. This suggests stronger opposition to a Likud alliance among centrist voters than vice versa. The election results also revealed that 306,172 voters supported lists that failed to pass the Knesset threshold, and 25,983 ballots were invalidated.