Gantz's Coalition Gains Ground in Israeli Politics
A recent poll published by the Israeli newspaper Maariv indicates that the opposition parties led by Benny Gantz would secure 60 seats in the Knesset if general elections were held today. In contrast, the current government coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would obtain 50 seats. This shift in political power reflects a growing support for Gantz, with 43% of respondents favoring him for the prime minister position, compared to 38% for Netanyahu.
The poll also highlights the emergence of Itamar Ben Gvir, the Minister of National Security and leader of the far-right 'Jewish Power' party, as a potential successor to head the right-wing bloc in the post-Netanyahu era. Ben Gvir enjoys 24% support among the right-wing voters, significantly ahead of other candidates like former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen (14%) and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (11%).
Netanyahu's Popularity Declines Amid Ongoing Conflict
An opinion poll by Israeli Channel 12 reveals that approximately two-thirds of Israelis believe Netanyahu should retire from political life and not seek a seventh term as prime minister. According to the poll, 66% of participants think Netanyahu, aged 74, should step down, while only 27% support his continued political career.
Netanyahu's popularity has taken a hit since the events of October 7, 2023, which led to a devastating war on the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in over 124,000 Palestinian casualties, including many children and women, and has caused massive destruction and famine. Despite increasing demands for early elections, Netanyahu has refused to hold them during the ongoing war.
The last elections in Israel were held at the end of 2022, and the Knesset's term is set to last four years unless early elections are approved. The current political landscape shows a divided electorate, with the opposition gaining momentum and the right-wing bloc seeking new leadership in a post-Netanyahu era.
- In a detailed breakdown of the current political landscape, the Maariv poll shows that the opposition, even without the Arab parties, holds a significant majority. The opposition commands 60 mandates, while the coalition secures 50, and the Arab parties hold about 10 mandates.
- The United Right Party, which includes notable figures such as Avigdor Lieberman, Naftali Bennett, Yossi Cohen, Ayelet Shaked, and Gideon Sa'ar, is experiencing a slight decline, now holding 27 seats. The rise of the religious Zionist party has contributed to the coalition's strength, although the opposition still leads with 63 mandates, enough to form a government without the Arab parties.
- Within the United Right Party, Bennett leads with 34% support, followed by Lieberman with 11%. A significant portion of respondents, about a third, remain undecided. Among the party voters, Bennett's leadership is favored by 65%, compared to 19% for Lieberman.
- In future elections, right-wing voters show a preference for Itamar Ben Gvir to lead the bloc post-Netanyahu, with 24% support. Yossi Cohen follows with 14%, and Bezalel Smotrich with 11%. Notably, 21% of right-wing voters find none of the proposed candidates suitable, and 14% are undecided.
