Yisrael Beiteinu Leads with 23 Seats as Shas Drops to 7 in New Israeli Poll

A new poll conducted by the Lazar Research Institute and Panel4ALL for Maariv reveals a significant decline for the Shas party, which is projected to win only 7 Knesset seats, a drop of four from its current standing. This marks the second poll in a week showing Shas at seven seats, following a similar result from Channel 13.

The poll positions Yisrael Beiteinu, led by Gadi Eizenkot, as the largest party with 23 seats, narrowly ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, which is projected to receive 22 seats. The political map shows the opposition bloc under Eizenkot with 57 seats, while Netanyahu's bloc holds 49.

Other notable results include the 'Beyachad' party led by Naftali Bennett at 15 seats, Yair Golan's 'Democrats' at 9 seats, and Avigdor Lieberman's 'Israel Beytenu' at 10 seats. Among the ultra-Orthodox and right-wing parties, Yahadut HaTorah is at 8 seats, Otzma Yehudit led by Itamar Ben-Gvir at 7, and Religious Zionism under Bezalel Smotrich at 5 seats. Arab parties Ra'am and Hadash-Ta'al each hold 5 seats.

A significant development is the party of Yoaz Hendel and Hili Tropper, which crosses the electoral threshold with 4 seats. Combined with the Arab parties' 10 seats, this could bring Eizenkot's bloc to 61 seats, potentially enabling the formation of an alternative government coalition.

The poll underscores shifting dynamics in Israeli politics ahead of upcoming elections, highlighting challenges for Shas and opportunities for new political alliances.