Who will lead the new government – not without a surprise in the poll

A poll by Israel's Channel 14 shows the ruling coalition weakening: the right-wing bloc loses 2 seats, dropping to 61. The main surprise is the breakthrough of the "Miluimnikim – Kalkalit" bloc with 4 seats. Netanyahu maintains his lead in the prime ministerial rating (53%), but in a head-to-head with Eisenkot the gap is minimal (52% vs. 48%).

A fresh poll by Israel's Channel 14, conducted by NEXT DATA among 538 respondents, records a weakening of the current coalition's position. The right-wing bloc loses 2 seats compared to the previous poll, dropping to the critical threshold of 61 seats. The center-left bloc holds 46 seats, Arab factions 13. The main sensation is the breakthrough of the "Miluimnikim – Kalkalit" bloc led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelicha, crossing the electoral threshold for the first time with 4 seats (just a few days ago support stood at 1.8%). Among parties, Likud maintains its lead with 29 seats, Yashar gets 20, Shas and Democrats get 10 each. In the prime ministerial suitability rating, Benjamin Netanyahu scores 53%, Gadi Eisenkot 29%, Naftali Bennett 11%, Avigdor Lieberman 7%. In a direct head-to-head, the gap between Netanyahu and Eisenkot is minimal: 52% vs. 48% in favor of the incumbent prime minister.