Poll Finds Deep Divides Among Russian-Speaking Israelis on Government Formation
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
A poll of 2,534 Russian-speaking Israelis shows deep divisions on forming a new government after the 26th Knesset elections. The most favored scenario is a national unity government including Likud and "bloc of change" parties. Benjamin Netanyahu leads personal rankings for prime minister, but Gadi Eisenkot is preferred by voters under 50. Key obstacles include ultra-Orthodox military service and alliances with Arab parties, though many would accept new elections in Spring 2027.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A poll of 2,534 Russian-speaking Israelis reveals significant political fragmentation.
- National unity government including Likud and "bloc of change" parties is the most supported scenario.
- Benjamin Netanyahu leads personal rankings for prime minister, but Gadi Eisenkot is preferred by voters under 50.
- Over 52% of respondents consider mandatory ultra-Orthodox military service an unshakeable condition.
- 66.4% of respondents categorically reject alliances with Arab parties.
- 58.1% would accept repeat elections in Spring 2027 as a way out of a deadlock.
A large-scale poll of 2,534 Russian-speaking Israeli readers of Newsru.co.il, conducted from November 9, 2026, following President Isaac Herzog's mandate to Gadi Eisenkot to form a government, reveals significant political fragmentation within this demographic. The survey, titled "After the 26th Knesset Elections: Scenarios and Compromises," indicated that the most supported coalition scenario was a national unity government including Likud and the "bloc of change" parties, with 27.4% of respondents favoring it. A coalition led by Gadi Eisenkot with external support from Arab parties was preferred by 21.6%, while 21% supported Benjamin Netanyahu remaining in power with right-wing parties.
In a personal ranking for the prime minister's seat, Benjamin Netanyahu led with 39.1%, followed by Gadi Eisenkot at 23.3%, Avigdor Lieberman at 15.2%, and Naftali Bennett at 12.3%. However, a generational divide was evident: among respondents under 50, Eisenkot took the lead with 29.2% compared to Netanyahu's 26.3%. Recent immigrants between 2022 and 2026 showed the strongest support for the "Democrats" party.
Key obstacles to coalition formation remain voter "red lines." Over 52% of respondents consider mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox individuals an unshakeable condition, and 66.4% categorically reject alliances with Arab parties, even with a desire for leadership change. Analysts note that while most Israelis do not see new elections as the primary scenario, 58.1% would accept a repeat vote in Spring 2027 as the only way out of a deadlock. The findings suggest a constant tension between the willingness to compromise and the refusal to sacrifice core principles for rapid coalition formation.
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