Majority Opposes Recent Knesset Laws and Views Politicians as Self-Serving, Poll Finds

A recent poll conducted by Mano Geva in collaboration with Midgam and iPanel, published on July 17, 2026, reveals significant public dissatisfaction with the Israeli Knesset and political leadership. According to the survey, 42% of respondents intend to vote for opposition parties in the upcoming elections, while 36% support parties aligned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The poll included 502 participants representing the Israeli population aged 18 and over.

The survey found that 64% of respondents rated the Knesset's overall performance as poor, with 74% believing that most members of the Knesset work primarily for their own benefit rather than the public. Opposition voters were especially critical, with 92% rating the Knesset poorly and 94% viewing MKs as self-serving. Supporters of the coalition were more divided but still showed skepticism.

Regarding recent legislation allowing ultra-Orthodox exemptions from military service, 67% of respondents opposed the laws passed that week. Opposition voters overwhelmingly rejected the laws (93%), while coalition supporters were split, with 45% in favor and 41% opposed. Arab party voters also largely opposed the legislation.

Public opinion on the Shin Bet chief, David Zini, was mixed. Overall, 39% rated his performance as poor and 37% as good. Opposition and Arab party voters tended to view him negatively, whereas coalition supporters mostly approved of his work.

When asked if they would consider leaving Israel if Netanyahu wins the next election, 68% said they would not, but a concerning 23% said they might. Among opposition voters, 39% expressed willingness to consider emigration, compared to only 10% of coalition supporters.

The poll also gauged the ideological placement of key political figures on a right-to-left scale. Yair Golan was seen as the most left-leaning (score 6.0), while Itamar Ben-Gvir was rated the most right-wing (1.3). Netanyahu scored 2.5, indicating a right-leaning position but less extreme than some others.

This comprehensive poll highlights widespread public discontent with the current political climate, skepticism about elected officials' motives, and deep divisions over key legislative issues and leadership evaluations.