Gadi Eizenkot's Yisrael Leads as Likud Weakens in Latest Knesset Poll

A new Knesset poll published by Channel 12 News on Monday evening reveals a shifting political landscape ahead of Israel's next election. The party Yisrael, led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, emerges as the largest faction with 24 seats, gaining one seat since the previous poll. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party declines to 22 seats, marking a notable drop.

Naftali Bennett's faction, Beyachad, shows significant gains, rising to 15 seats. The Democrats, headed by Yair Golan, increase their representation to 11 seats. Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu continues its upward trend, securing 10 seats. Among smaller and religious parties, Otzma Yehudit, led by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, strengthens to 8 seats, matching Yahadut HaTorah's stable 8 seats. Shas maintains its previous 7 seats, while the Religious Zionist Party under Minister Bezalel Smotrich holds steady at 5 seats. Arab parties Hadash-Ta'al, led by Yousef Jabareen and Ahmad Tibi, and Ra'am, led by Mansour Abbas, each receive 5 seats.

The so-called "third bloc" fails to cross the electoral threshold of 3.25%, despite the recent entry of former ambassador and minister Gilad Erdan into politics. Parties like Beit Tzioni HaMiluanim (led by Hili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel) remain outside the Knesset with 2.7%, while Balad, Erdan's right-wing party, and Benny Gantz's Blue and White also fall below the threshold.

The opposition bloc against Netanyahu holds 70 seats, combining 60 seats from Zionist opposition parties and 10 from Arab parties. The coalition parties together have only 50 seats, casting doubt on the formation of a new government. The poll was conducted before recent developments and alliances in the left and center parties, which could affect future results. Likud acknowledges the challenging poll results and has formed a special team to address the situation.

This poll continues the trend of Likud's weakening and the strengthening of Eizenkot and Lieberman seen in recent weeks, underscoring the complex and fragmented nature of Israel's political map ahead of the elections.