Ofer Winter's New Party Gains 6 Seats, Religious Zionism Falls Below Threshold in Latest Poll

A new poll conducted by the Lazar Institute for Walla News reveals significant shifts in Israel's political landscape following Ofer Winter's announcement and the launch of his party, Amcha Yisrael. Winter's party is projected to secure six Knesset seats, drawing support away from the Religious Zionism party, which now falls below the electoral threshold.

The poll shows the Yisrael Sheli party, led by Gadi Eizenkot, as the largest faction with 25 seats, surpassing Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party by four seats, which stands at 21. Other right-wing parties include Otzma Yehudit with eight seats, Shas and United Torah Judaism each with seven seats, and Winter's new party with six seats, totaling 49 seats for the right-wing bloc.

On the left and center, Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid holds 15 seats, the Democratic Camp has 10, and Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu has nine, combining with other left-leaning parties to form a bloc of 59 seats, which is relatively high compared to other polls. Arab parties collectively hold 12 seats, with Hadash-Ta'al-Balad at seven and Ra'am at five.

This poll is the first to reflect the impact of Winter's entry into the race and indicates a potential reshuffling of support within the right-wing camp, particularly affecting the Religious Zionism party's viability in the upcoming elections.