Only one-third of Israelis want Netanyahu to remain in power, Hebrew University study reveals

A Hebrew University survey reveals that only about one-third of Israelis want Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remain in power after the October 27 elections. Among those seeking an alternative, roughly half prefer Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot, with the rest split between Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Liberman. The study also highlights widespread pessimism about Israel's future and security, with under 25% believing their children will live in a better reality and less than half feeling Israel is safer than before October 7, 2023.

A new Hebrew University survey reveals that only about one-third of Israelis want Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remain in power after the upcoming October 27 Knesset elections. Among the roughly two-thirds of respondents who said they wanted an alternative candidate, about half pointed to Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot as their choice for the next prime minister. The remainder were divided between former prime minister Naftali Bennett (B'Yachad party) and MK Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu). The study, conducted by Dr. Nimrod Nir of the Agam Institute and Dr. Gayil Talshir of the Hebrew University on October 5-6, 2026, sampled 2,437 Israeli citizens. The findings point to a significant crisis of confidence: 36% of respondents reported feeling pessimistic about Israel's future, compared with 33% who reported feeling optimistic. Under 25% believe their children will live in a better reality, and less than half believe Israel is safer today than before October 7, 2023. Nearly one-third believe the country is less safe. About 20% said they are considering leaving Israel due to the security situation and social issues. Regarding the war, less than 20% believe Netanyahu achieved 'total victory.' About half hold the government most responsible for the October 7 security failures; about one-third blame the security establishment. Over half believe the war has increased divisions within Israeli society.