Likud and Gadi Eizenkot’s Yashar Party Tie at 23 Seats in New Poll

A recent Channel 12 poll reveals a tight race in Israel’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections. Both the Likud party, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Yashar party, headed by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, are tied with 23 Knesset seats each. This marks a significant development as Eizenkot’s party matches the long-dominant Likud in parliamentary strength.

The Religious Zionist Party, led by Bezalel Smotrich, is gaining ground and is closing in on Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party, indicating a shift within the right-wing bloc. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s party remains behind in the polls. The Religious Zionist Party has again surpassed the electoral threshold, ensuring its continued presence in the Knesset.

When divided into political blocs, the current coalition parties, Likud, Shas, United Torah Judaism, Otzma Yehudit, and the Religious Zionist Party, hold a combined total of only 50 seats, falling short of the 61-seat majority needed to form a government. In contrast, the Zionist opposition parties collectively hold 60 seats, while the Arab parties Hadash-Ta’al and Ra’am together control 10 seats.

This poll highlights the fragmented nature of Israeli politics and the challenges facing the current coalition in maintaining power. The results suggest a competitive election ahead, with potential shifts in alliances and power balances within the Knesset.