Opposition Bloc Secures Majority Over Netanyahu in New Israeli Election Poll

A new poll published by Maariv reveals a shifting political landscape in Israel, with the opposition bloc maintaining a majority of 61 Knesset seats, the minimum needed to form a government. Although the opposition lost one seat compared to previous polls, it still holds a clear lead over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, which stands at 49 seats. Arab parties remain stable with a combined total of 10 seats.

The leading party in the poll is the "Yashar!" list with 23 seats, followed by Likud with 20 seats. The "Together - led by Bennett" party secures 17 seats, the Democrats 11, and Yisrael Beiteinu 10. Among religious and ultra-Orthodox parties, Yahadut HaTorah, Otzma Yehudit, and Shas each hold 8 seats, while Hadash-Ta'al, Ra'am, and Religious Zionism pass the electoral threshold with 5 seats each.

Regarding suitability for prime minister, Benny Gantz (referred to as "Izenkot" in the poll) leads with 46% support against Netanyahu's 40%, a 6% gap despite a 2% drop from the previous poll. Gantz also leads over Naftali Bennett with 38% to 23%. Notably, Bennett surpasses Netanyahu with 45% support compared to Netanyahu's 42%. Several smaller parties, including Blue and White with only 1.6%, "...Yesodot Israel" with 2.9%, and Balad with 1.7%, fail to cross the electoral threshold and remain outside the Knesset.

This poll indicates a weakening position for Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming elections, with the opposition bloc poised to form a new government if these trends hold.