Gadi Eizenkot's Yisra Party Surpasses Likud in New Poll Ahead of Knesset Dissolution

A new poll published by Channel 12 on July 13, 2026, reveals a significant shift in Israeli political dynamics just days before the Knesset is set to dissolve. For the first time, the Yisra party, led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, emerges as the largest party with 23 seats, overtaking Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud, which drops to 22 seats. This marks a continued rise for Eizenkot, who also leads in the prime ministerial preference poll with 43%, compared to Netanyahu's 34%.

The third-largest party remains Yachad, headed by Naftali Bennett, holding steady at 16 seats. The Democratic Party under Yair Golan and Yisrael Beiteinu led by Avigdor Lieberman each secure 10 seats. Otzma Yehudit, Shas, and United Torah Judaism follow with 9, 8, and 8 seats respectively. Arab parties such as Hadash-Ta'al, Religious Zionism, and Ra'am maintain representation with 5 seats each. New parties led by Hili Trooper and Yoaz Hendel fail to cross the electoral threshold, polling at 2.9%.

The overall bloc map shows the Zionist opposition strengthening to 59 seats, or 69 including Arab parties, while the current coalition holds 51 seats. Neither side can form a government without additional partners. Various hypothetical party mergers, including those involving Benny Gantz, Dedi Simchi, and a potential alliance of Hendel and Trooper, were tested but did not alter bloc balances or help these smaller parties pass the threshold.

Public opinion also reflects skepticism toward a legislative deal between Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties, with 62% opposing the proposed laws related to Torah study, immunity for draft evaders, and media restrictions. The poll further indicates that 38% of respondents say the events of October 7 influenced them toward more right-wing views, while about half report no ideological change.

The survey was conducted by Meno Geva's Consulting and Research on July 13, 2026, with a representative sample of 509 Israeli adults and a margin of error of ±4.4%.