New Poll Shows Netanyahu Widens Lead Over Rivals, But Political Deadlock Persists
A new Channel 12 survey reveals that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu maintains a clear edge over his political rivals, even as the country remains mired in a political stalemate. When respondents were asked who they believed was best suited to lead Israel, 42% selected Netanyahu, compared to 35% who chose Naftali Bennett. Another 18% said that neither was fit for the role, while 5% were unsure.
The poll also compared Netanyahu to Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, with 47% of Israelis saying Netanyahu is more qualified to serve as prime minister, while just 21% preferred Lapid. Nearly a third of participants — 29% — said they didn’t want either man as premier, and 3% expressed no opinion. Channel 12 noted that these are Netanyahu’s strongest preference margins since the November 2022 election.
Respondents were also asked about U.S. President Donald Trump’s letter to President Isaac Herzog urging him to pardon Netanyahu amid the ongoing corruption trial. Public opinion was sharply divided: 48% opposed Trump’s request, including 36% who said they “strongly opposed” it. Meanwhile, 44% expressed support for Trump’s involvement, with 23% saying they “strongly supported” it. Eight percent of those surveyed said they were uncertain.
When asked how they thought Netanyahu’s legal proceedings should conclude, 32% of respondents said he should agree to a plea deal that would permanently remove him from politics. Another 27% favored canceling the trial entirely, while 23% preferred to let it continue until the judges issue a verdict. Nine percent believed Netanyahu should negotiate a plea deal allowing him to stay in politics, and another 9% were undecided.
The survey also projected Knesset seat distribution if elections were held today — and found no clear path to a governing majority. Likud would remain the largest party with 27 seats, followed by Bennett’s faction with 22. The left-wing Democrats led by Yair Golan would win 10 seats. Yesh Atid, Shas, Yisrael Beytenu, and Otzma Yehudit would each secure nine seats. Gadi Eisenkot’s “Yashar!” would earn eight, while United Torah Judaism would take seven. Ra’am and Hadash-Ta’al would each receive five.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party, along with Balad and Yoaz Hendel’s HaMiluimnikim, would fail to pass the 3.25% electoral threshold. According to the poll, the current right-wing and chareidi coalition would total just 52 seats—short of the 60 required for a majority—while the anti-Netanyahu bloc would reach 58. Any future government would therefore depend on Arab parties like Ra’am or Hadash-Ta’al, though it remains uncertain whether such cooperation would be feasible for either side.
Channel 12 reported that the survey was conducted on November 13 among 501 respondents, with a margin of error of 4.4%.
{Matzav.com}
