Gadi Eisenkot leads Benjamin Netanyahu in Israeli poll

A recent opinion poll conducted by Hebrew Channel 13, in collaboration with several research institutions, indicates a shift in Israeli political preferences. The survey shows opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yesh Atid party, leading Benjamin Netanyahu by 9% in terms of suitability for the role of Prime Minister. Eisenkot received 45% support, while Netanyahu received 36%.

Regarding parliamentary seat distribution, the poll suggests the governing coalition would hold 54 seats, narrowly surpassing the Jewish opposition bloc, which holds 52 seats. Arab parties collectively hold 14 seats. The results indicate that neither the Netanyahu camp nor the Jewish opposition could form a government without the support of Arab parties, a prospect currently rejected by opposition leaders.

The Likud party is projected to receive 18 seats, while other right-wing factions such as the Religious Zionism-Zhut alliance and Otzma Yehudit are also represented. On the opposition side, Yesh Atid leads with 22 seats, followed by Naftali Bennett’s Ma'am party with 12 seats.