Gadi Eizenkot's Yisrael Party Surges to Lead in New Israeli Poll

A Channel 12 poll released on Monday shows Gadi Eizenkot's Yisrael party gaining strength, rising to 24 seats and becoming the largest party in the Knesset. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party falls to 22 seats. Other notable results include Naftali Bennett's Yachdav party increasing to 15 seats, the Democrats at 11, and Yisrael Beiteinu at 10. Otzma Yehudit and United Torah Judaism each hold 8 seats, Shas maintains 7, and Religious Zionism, Hadash-Ta'al, and Ra'am each receive 5 seats.

In the so-called "third bloc," no individual party passes the electoral threshold following Gilad Erdan's official entry. Parties led by Hili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel garner 2.7%, Balad 1.6%, Erdan's right-wing party 1.3%, and Blue and White 0.8%. However, a united list combining Erdan, Hendel, Tropper, and Blue and White would surpass the threshold with 6 seats, reducing Likud to 19 and Yisrael to 22 seats.

The opposition bloc holds 70 seats overall, including 60 Zionist opposition seats and 10 Arab party seats, while the coalition controls 50 seats. A scenario where Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad unite and Yoav Segalovitz joins Ra'am would shift seats within the opposition bloc but keep it at 70 seats total, with Arab parties increasing to 12 seats.

Regarding prime minister suitability, Eizenkot leads Netanyahu with 40% to 35%, while Bennett leads Netanyahu 37% to 35%. Netanyahu leads against Avigdor Lieberman 38% to 24%. Most respondents (63%) believe U.S. President Donald Trump currently shapes Israel's security policy, though Netanyahu is seen as the most credible figure to handle relations with Trump (39%).

On the conflict with Gaza, 62% doubt Israel will achieve a decisive victory, but 64% support continued military action against Hamas despite U.S. calls to end the war.

In contrast, a Channel 14 poll presents a different picture, showing the right-wing coalition holding a majority of 62 seats, with Likud leading at 33 seats and Eizenkot's Yisrael second at 23. Netanyahu leads the prime minister preference with 54% support against 34% for Eizenkot. In a direct Netanyahu-Eizenkot matchup, Netanyahu leads 55% to 45%, with the gap widening among small party voters and undecided respondents.