Deri tries to grab a middle spot and leads Shas to a low in mandates

A new Channel 12 poll reveals Shas with only seven mandates, a significant low, while Deri tries to balance between Haredi and secular voters. Commentators discuss the impact of the draft exemption law, the possible connection between Ra'am and Segalovich, and fluctuations in the right-wing bloc, including a struggle between Ben Gvir and Smotrich. Also examined are the chances of new parties and the public's trust in Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz.

A Channel 12 poll published this evening reveals a new low for Shas: only seven mandates, a figure that worries commentators. Aryeh Deri, who is trying to grab a middle spot between Haredi voters and traditional Sephardim, may pay the price. Commentator Yair Sharki explains that half of the voters want enlistment into the IDF and connection to the state, while the other half are 'hardcore' Sephardic Haredim. The weakening is attributed, among other things, to anger over the lack of a draft exemption law. Meanwhile, the possible connection between Ra'am and Yoav Segalovich is examined. Commentator Amit Segal estimates that the move, if it happens, is important mainly for forming the government after the elections, not necessarily in mandates. In the right-wing bloc, there are fluctuations: Itamar Ben Gvir stands at seven mandates, and Bezalel Smotrich at five, after being below the electoral threshold. Netanyahu will have to decide whether to force a union. Also examined are the chances of new parties by Ofer Winter and Gilad Erdan. Commentator Amnon Abramovich attacks Defense Minister Israel Katz, stating that 34% of the public think he is very bad, and that he sided with primary politics rather than the military. The poll also shows that most of the public believes Netanyahu did not lead to victory in the war.