Opposition Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Ultra-Orthodox Parties Joining Next Israeli Coalition

A recent Maariv poll reveals significant shifts in Israeli political alignments following a legislative blitz by the current coalition, including votes on the detention law and a Basic Law on Torah study. The newly formed Yesodot Israel party, led by Hili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel, has crossed the electoral threshold, boosting the Zionist opposition bloc to 62 Knesset seats, its highest in about nine months. Meanwhile, the coalition bloc has weakened by one seat to 48, and Arab parties have also lost one seat, now holding 10.

The 'Together' alliance of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid continues to decline, dropping two seats to 16, while Israel Beytenu falls to nine seats. Conversely, the Democratic Party gains one seat to reach 11. The party led by Gadi Eisenkot remains tied for first place with Likud, each holding 22 seats, with Likud gaining one seat this week. Shas has declined to seven seats, its lowest since the 2022 elections when it held 11, and Otzma Yehudit also drops to seven seats. Religious Zionism maintains its strength at four seats. Blue and White and Balad fail to pass the electoral threshold.

The poll also highlights voter attitudes toward coalition formation after the elections. A vast majority (83%) of opposition party voters oppose including ultra-Orthodox parties in the next coalition, with only 8% in favor. In contrast, 70% of Arab party voters support including an Arab party in the coalition, with only 10% opposed. Additionally, 55% of the general public express distrust in the current government's ability to make the right decisions for Israel before the upcoming elections, while 38% believe it can, and 7% are undecided.