Eisenkot Gains Edge as Netanyahu Loses Lead in Latest Poll

The Israeli opposition has surged ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's camp with 57 seats to 51, according to the latest poll by the 'Lazar' Institute, published by the 'Maariv' newspaper. This comes amid widespread public concern over a potential new military confrontation with Iran and sharp divisions regarding the possibility of 'internal betrayal' during the October 7, 2023, attack.
Topping the party list is the 'Yesh Atid' party led by Gadi Eisenkot, with 23 seats, followed by Netanyahu's 'Likud' party with 20 seats, and then Naftali Bennett's party with 15 seats. Meanwhile, the 'Religious Zionism' alliance led by Bezalel Smotrich and the 'Zehut' party headed by Moshe Feiglin exceed the electoral threshold with 5 seats, boosting the coalition parties' strength to 47 seats, which rises to 51 when including the 'Yamina Israel' party led by Ofir Winter.

In the race for the premiership, Eisenkot leads Netanyahu at 48% to 39%, while Bennett also surpasses Netanyahu with 43% to 39%. The poll further revealed that 55% of Israelis fear a new war with Iran, and 40% believe there was 'internal betrayal' that contributed to the success of Hamas's attack.