Likud Weakens Slightly While Netanyahu Strengthens Lead as Prime Minister Candidate

A recent weekly poll by Channel 14 News shows stability among political blocs in Israel, with the right-wing bloc maintaining a majority of 63 Knesset seats. Despite this overall stability, the Likud party has lost one seat but remains the largest party with 32 mandates. Meanwhile, the "Yashar" party, led by Gadi Eizenkot, has gained strength, rising to 21 seats.

Other parties in the poll include The Democrats with 11 seats, Shas with 10, and both United Torah Judaism and "Together" holding 8 seats each. Israel Beytenu and Otzma Yehudit each have 7 seats, Religious Zionism increased to 6 seats, and both Hadash-Ta'al and Ra'am hold 5 seats. Several parties, including "Yesodot Israel" led by Yoaz Hendel and Hili Trooper, Balad, Zehut led by Moshe Feiglin, and Blue and White, fall below the electoral threshold.

The right-wing bloc holds 63 seats, the left-wing bloc 47, and Arab parties collectively hold 10 seats. On the question of suitability for prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has increased his lead, receiving 57% support compared to 32% for Gadi Eizenkot. Other candidates include Naftali Bennett with 6%, Avigdor Lieberman with 4%, and Benny Gantz with 1%. The poll was broadcast on Thursday evening on Channel 14 News.