Poll Shows Deep Public Distrust in Israeli Knesset and Politicians Ahead of Elections

A comprehensive poll by Channel 12 News reveals significant public dissatisfaction with the outgoing Israeli Knesset and political leadership as the election campaign begins. The survey shows the opposition bloc leading with 49% public support, compared to 36% backing the pro-Netanyahu coalition, while 12% remain undecided and 3% support other parties.

The poll highlights a troubling lack of confidence in the Knesset's performance, with 64% of respondents rating it poorly and only 33% viewing it positively. Opposition voters overwhelmingly (92%) consider the Knesset's work inadequate, as do 62% of Arab party supporters. In contrast, 73% of coalition voters rated the Knesset's performance as good.

Public trust in lawmakers is even lower, with 74% believing most Knesset members act in self-interest rather than for the public good. This sentiment is strongest among opposition voters (94%) and Arab party supporters (70%), while coalition voters are divided, with 49% seeing self-serving behavior and 38% believing in public service.

Regarding recent legislation, 67% oppose the new Basic Law on Torah Study and the freeze on arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, with opposition and Arab party voters showing overwhelming rejection. Even within the coalition, opinions are split, with 45% supporting and 41% opposing these laws.

The poll also examines public views on Shin Bet chief David Zini, whose recommendation to grant lifetime security to Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife sparked debate. Public opinion is divided: 39% rate his performance poorly, 37% positively, and 24% are unsure. Opposition and Arab party voters largely disapprove, while coalition supporters mostly approve.

Concerning potential emigration if Netanyahu wins again, 68% of Israelis say they would not consider leaving, but 23% might. Among opposition voters, 39% consider emigration, whereas 90% of coalition supporters reject the idea.

Finally, respondents rated key political figures on an ideological scale from 1 (far right) to 7 (far left). Yair Golan of the Democratic camp is seen as the most left-leaning (6.0), followed by Yair Lapid (5.2). Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot are near center-left, while Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman lean right. Netanyahu is positioned deep right (2.5), with Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir at the far right end (1.7 and 1.3 respectively).