Likud and Yisrael Tie at 23 Seats Each as Gadi Eizenkot Surpasses Netanyahu in PM Preference

A new political poll published by Kan News reveals a dramatic shift in Israel's electoral landscape, with the Likud party led by Benjamin Netanyahu and the Yisrael party headed by Gadi Eizenkot each securing 23 seats in the Knesset. This marks the first time in the current election cycle that these two leading parties are tied. Likud lost one seat compared to the previous poll, while Yisrael gained one.

Naftali Bennett's Yachdut party remains in third place with 16 seats, unchanged from before. Among medium-sized parties, United Torah Judaism strengthened by one seat to eight, while Otzma Yehudit, the Democratic Party, and Yisrael Beiteinu each hold nine seats. Notably, Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu increased by one seat, indicating growing voter support.

In the ultra-Orthodox sector, United Torah Judaism and Shas both hold steady at eight seats. Hadash-Ta'al has six seats, Religious Zionism five, and Ra'am four. Smaller parties such as the Reservists' Party, Blue and White, and Balad failed to cross the electoral threshold.

Currently, the coalition bloc holds 53 seats compared to 67 seats for the anti-Netanyahu bloc. The poll also explored a scenario where a new party formed by Yuli Edelstein, Ayelet Shaked, and Gilad Erdan would win six seats, drawing support from Netanyahu, Eizenkot, Bennett, and Smotrich, reducing Netanyahu's bloc to 50 seats.

In a significant development, Gadi Eizenkot surpasses Netanyahu in public preference for prime minister, receiving 41% compared to Netanyahu's 40%. However, Netanyahu still leads clearly over Bennett with 41% to 33% in a direct comparison.

This poll signals a notable shift in voter sentiment and the political balance ahead of the upcoming elections.