Gadi Eizenkot’s Yashar Party Surpasses Netanyahu’s Likud in Latest Poll

A new Channel 13 poll released on Wednesday shows a significant shift in Israeli political standings, with Gadi Eizenkot’s Yashar party leading as the largest party in Israel, securing 23 seats. This marks a gain of three seats from the previous poll. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party falls to second place with 22 seats. Naftali Bennett’s Yachdut party drops two seats to hold 15 seats, placing third.

The poll also reveals that both the Democratic Party and Yisrael Beiteinu receive 10 seats each. Shas, United Torah Judaism, and Otzma Yehudit each garner eight seats. Hadash-Ta’al is projected to win six seats, while Ra’am and Religious Zionism each receive five seats. New parties such as the United Party led by Hili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel (2.2%), Benny Gantz’s Blue and White (2.1%), and Balad (1.7%) fail to cross the electoral threshold.

Regarding political blocs, the anti-Netanyahu bloc holds 58 seats, compared to Netanyahu’s coalition with 51 seats, with Arab parties occupying 11 seats in between. Overall, opposition parties have 69 seats versus 51 for the current coalition. When asked about suitability for prime minister, 46% favor Eizenkot over Netanyahu’s 36%, with 18% undecided.

The poll also explored potential party mergers. A joint list of Hadash-Ta’al and Balad could gain 10 seats, reducing Ra’am to four. A united party of Benny Gantz and Dedi Simchi, as well as a party formed by Gilad Erdan, Ayelet Shaked, and Yuli Edelstein, would fail to pass the threshold. Netanyahu’s coalition would drop to 49 seats in this scenario, while the opposition bloc remains at 58 seats, and Arab parties increase to 14 seats.

Public opinion on judicial compliance shows 62% believe the government must obey Supreme Court rulings, while 28% disagree. Among coalition supporters, only 9% agree the government must comply, with 74% opposing. On the controversial bill preventing arrests of ultra-Orthodox men, 56% oppose it, while 29% support it. Coalition voters largely support the bill (68%). When asked if the legislation agreed upon by Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties would affect their vote, 53% said it would not, 20% said it definitely would, and 17% said it might.

The poll reflects a dynamic political landscape ahead of upcoming elections, highlighting shifts in party strength, voter preferences, and contentious legal and social issues.