The Likoud no longer appears as the undisputed leading political force in Israel. According to a new poll published by Maariv, Benjamin Netanyahu’s party is now equal with Naftali Bennett’s party, named “Bennett 2026.”
According to this survey, both parties would each obtain 24 seats in the Knesset if elections were held today. At the beginning of the “Roar of the Lion” military operation, Likoud still had a six-seat lead over Bennett. Since then, the trend has reversed: Likoud has lost three mandates while Bennett has gained the same, indicating a significant progression of the former Prime Minister within the right-wing electorate.
Behind the two main rivals, Yesh Atid would get 12 seats. Shas, Israel Beiteinu, the Democrats, and Otzma Yehudit would each receive 9 seats. The United Torah Judaism and the National Union would follow with 7 seats each, while Hadash-Ta’al and Ra’am would each win 5. Several parties, including the Religious Zionism and Blue and White, would remain below the electoral threshold.
Despite these internal changes, the balance between blocks remains unchanged. The opposition would have 61 seats, compared to 49 for the government coalition, with Arab parties totaling an additional 10 mandates. The political landscape would therefore remain generally stable, even if the internal hierarchy evolves.
The poll also reflects divisions in public opinion on several subjects. Regarding the lighting of torches ceremony for Independence Day, 44% of those surveyed consider it political, while 32% view it as institutional. Additionally, 42% believe that US President Donald Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran was a mistake, while 28% consider it justified.
