New Poll Shows Yisrael Leading as Likud Weakens, Opposition Holds Majority

A recent poll by Maariv reveals a shifting political landscape in Israel, with the Yisrael party led by Gadi Eisenkot taking the lead. If elections were held today, Yisrael would secure 23 seats, making it the largest party, while Likud falls to second place with 21 seats. The third largest party is Beyachad, headed by Naftali Bennett, with 14 seats.

In the centrist bloc, Israel Beytenu and the Democrats each receive 10 seats. Otzma Yehudit and United Torah Judaism are projected to gain 8 seats apiece, and Shas is estimated at 7 seats. Further down, the Hadash-Ta'al list would get 6 seats, and Ra'am would have 5 seats. Both the Religious Zionist Party and Beit Tzioni, led by Yoaz Hendel and Hili Tropper, pass the electoral threshold with 4 seats each.

Several parties fail to cross the threshold, including the Economic Party, Blue and White, the Unity Party, and Balad. The poll’s bloc analysis shows the coalition parties holding only 48 seats, while opposition parties command 57 seats. Arab parties collectively hold 11 seats, and Beit Tzioni accounts for 4 seats within the opposition.

This updated poll highlights the challenges facing the current coalition, which is trailing behind the opposition in parliamentary strength. The data suggests a potential shift in power dynamics ahead of future elections.