Eisenkot keeps top, gains support for PM role as uncertainty grows in security, politics - poll

This week's Maariv poll reveals a stagnant distribution of Knesset seats amidst growing uncertainties in security, diplomatic, and political arenas. Lazar Research, led by Dr. Menachem Lazar and in partnership with Panel4ALL, found that the opposition parties, led by the Democrats, have not reclaimed double-digit support, sitting at nine seats, a drop from their two-seat gain last week.

The coalition's stronghold remains steady at 49 seats, while the Zionist opposition party coalition stands at 57. With four additional seats held by the Zionist Home party - led by Chili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel - the Zionist opposition could amass a 61-seat majority. The Arab parties sit at ten seats, while Balad and Blue and White continue to fall short of the electoral threshold, registering 1.4% and 1.2% respectively.

The poll showed that a majority of Israelis, 55%, are against including Ra'am in a future coalition, even with Yoav Segalovitz as the second candidate on their list. Twenty percent of respondents support this move, and another 25% have no stance. Moreover, 54% of Israelis oppose the Gaza road map, with 72% of coalition party voters disapproving. Twenty-four percent support the plan, and 22% have no view.

In terms of suitability for prime minister, the gap between Naftali Bennett (43%) and Benjamin Netanyahu (40%) has remained consistent. Gadi Eisenkot's favorability over Netanyahu also remains unchanged, with 47% support compared to 38% for Netanyahu. Netanyahu continues to lead Avigdor Liberman, with 42% versus 38% support. The poll was conducted on July 5 and 6, with 3,514 individuals invited to participate and 502 respondents, or 14%, completing it.

The sample included a representative cross-section of Israel's adult population, including both Jews and Arabs, with a maximum sampling error of 4.4%.