Likud Strengthens at Expense of Ultra-Orthodox Parties in New Israeli Poll

A new poll by News 14, conducted on August 9, 2026, shows political stability in Israel with the right-wing bloc maintaining a solid majority of 62 Knesset seats. The Likud party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leads decisively with 33 seats, gaining two since the last poll. The right-wing bloc's strength contrasts with the left-wing bloc holding 48 seats and Arab parties securing 10 seats.

The second-largest party is "Yashar," led by Gadi Eizenkot, with 23 seats. Both Shas and the Democrats have 10 seats each, while Yisrael Beiteinu holds 8 seats. Smaller parties such as "Together" and United Torah Judaism have 7 seats each, and Otzma Yehudit and Religious Zionism have 6 seats apiece. Among Arab parties, Hadash-Ta'al and Ra'am each have 5 seats. Several parties, including Balad, Zehut, and Blue and White, fall below the electoral threshold.

Regarding suitability for prime minister, Netanyahu dominates with 54% support, far ahead of Eizenkot at 34%. Other contenders like Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, and Benny Gantz receive minimal backing. In a direct comparison between Netanyahu and Eizenkot, Netanyahu leads 55% to 45%, with his advantage growing among smaller party voters and undecided respondents.

The poll was conducted by NEXT DATA with 741 adult participants across Israel. Analyst Shlomo Filber provided data analysis. The results indicate Likud's growing strength primarily at the expense of ultra-Orthodox parties, while Netanyahu remains the clear favorite for prime minister.