What it is about

A new Channel 12 poll reveals that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party is rapidly closing the gap with Benny Gantz’s National Unity Party. This development suggests that more Israelis believe Netanyahu is better suited to lead the country as Prime Minister.

Why it matters

This shift in public opinion underscores a significant resurgence in support for Netanyahu, particularly since the recent conflict with Hamas. His perceived leadership and experience during such critical times are possibly key factors in this change.

Poll Results

Party Standings

If elections were held today, Gantz’s National Unity Party would still secure the most seats (25), while Netanyahu’s Likud Party would capture 21 seats, demonstrating a narrowing race. Other notable party standings include Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid with 13 seats, Labor and Meretz with 10 seats, Arye Deri’s Shas and Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu both projected to win 10 seats each.

Further down the rankings, Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit would win 9 seats, and United Torah Judaism would capture 7 seats. The Religious Zionist Party, along with Arab parties Ra’am and Hadash-Ta’al, would secure 5 seats each, while Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope – The United Right Party and Sami Abu Shehadeh’s Balad Party are projected to fall below the electoral threshold.

Coalition vs. Opposition

The current coalition would gather a total of 52 seats, while the opposition parties, barring Hadash-Ta’al, would command a clear majority with 63 seats.

Potential New Right-Wing Party

A newly hypothesized center-right party comprising figures like Liberman, Sa’ar, former prime minister Naftali Bennett, and former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen could potentially attract 16 seats, reshuffling party standings such as reducing Gantz’s party to 21 seats and Yesh Atid to 12.

Netanyahu’s Elevated Prime Ministerial Suitability

For the first time since the recent conflict with Hamas, 36% of respondents believe Netanyahu is more suitable for the prime ministerial role compared to only 30% for Gantz. Interestingly, former prime minister Bennett outnumbers Gantz in perceived suitability, indicating fluctuating public sentiment.

Conclusion

This latest poll indicates a growing confidence among Israelis in Netanyahu’s leadership abilities and a potential revival of support for Likud, reflecting the dynamic nature of Israeli political sentiments. Netanyahu’s experience and strong leadership during crises are resonating with the voters once again.

This story was first published on jpost.com.