Gadi Eizenkot's Yisrael Party Surpasses Likud in Latest Poll, Hendel-Troper Alliance Fails to Pass Threshold

A new poll published by Channel 13 on Wednesday reveals a significant shift in the Israeli political landscape ahead of upcoming elections. For the first time, Gadi Eizenkot's party, Yisrael, is projected to win 23 Knesset seats, surpassing Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, which is estimated to secure 22 seats. This marks a notable development as Eizenkot's party gains a lead over the long-dominant Likud.

The poll also shows that the joint party of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid would receive 15 seats, while other parties such as Yisrael Beiteinu and the Democrats each garner 10 seats. Shas, Otzma Yehudit, and United Torah Judaism are each projected to win 8 seats, followed by Hadash-Ta'al with 6, Religious Zionism with 5, and Ra'am also with 5 seats.

The coalition bloc supporting the current government is estimated to hold 51 seats, whereas the opposition bloc opposing Netanyahu would have 58 seats. Arab parties collectively are projected to win 11 seats. Notably, the alliance between Yoaz Hendel and Hili Trooper fails to cross the electoral threshold, polling at 2.2%, similar to Benny Gantz's Blue and White party at 2.1%.

Regarding suitability for prime minister, Eizenkot leads Netanyahu with 46% of respondents considering him more suitable, compared to 36% for Netanyahu, while 18% were undecided. This poll indicates a potential reshaping of political power dynamics in Israel if elections were held today.