A recent poll conducted in Israel reveals a deadlock between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s supporting bloc and the opposition, with each securing 53 seats in the Knesset. Arab parties are anticipated to hold 14 seats. Neither faction has achieved the 61-seat threshold required for a majority in the Knesset, indicating a potential stalemate.
This survey reflects a notable shift from an earlier poll by the same network, which previously showed the opposition leading with a 57-48 seat distribution. The change is mainly attributed to two right-wing parties now predicted to enter the Knesset: the People of Israel, led by Ofer Winter, with an estimated four seats, and the Religious Zionism-Zehut alliance, expected to secure six seats.
Likud, the party led by Netanyahu, has closed in on the opposition’s leading party, Yashar, headed by Gadi Eisenkot. The latest projections suggest Yashar will receive 22 seats, while Likud is close behind with 21 seats. Meanwhile, the Joint List, primarily an Arab party, has increased its support, now projected to win nine seats in the Knesset.
On the other hand, the B’Yachad alliance, under the leadership of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, has seen a decline, dropping to an anticipated 12 seats. Some parties, including Unity, Blue and White, and Zionist Home-The Reservists, are expected to fall short of the electoral threshold necessary to secure representation in the Knesset.
The poll, which surveyed 940 individuals, comes with a margin of error of 3.4%, providing a snapshot of the current political landscape in Israel as parties vie for influence and coalition-building opportunities in the lead-up to potential elections.