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

Recent Hebrew University research indicates that a mere one-third of Israelis wish for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to retain his position. More than two-thirds of the surveyed population expressed a desire for a different candidate, with half favoring Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party, and the others split between former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and MK Avigdor Liberman.

The study's findings suggest a deepening crisis of faith in the nation's future, with 36% of respondents expressing pessimism about Israel's prospects, down from previous years. This sentiment was echoed by a similar portion who felt optimistic. Just under a quarter of respondents believe their children will inherit a better reality, and less than half feel the country is safer than it was prior to October 7, 2023.

In fact, nearly a third believe Israel is less secure than before the war. Approximately 20% of those surveyed even contemplate leaving the country due to safety concerns and societal issues. When queried about Netanyahu's aim to achieve a "total victory" in the conflict with Hamas, less than 20% agreed this objective was met. About half of Israelis blamed the government for security lapses leading to the October 7 attack and ongoing war, while roughly a third blamed the security apparatus.

Over half of both Jewish and Arab Israelis believe the war has exacerbated societal divisions, a trend that has grown since previous years, while only about a quarter believe it has bolstered national unity. Conducted by Dr. Nimrod Nir and Dr. Gayil Talshir of the Hebrew University, the study surveyed 2,437 Israeli citizens between October 5-6, 2026, reflecting the country's adult population in terms of demographics and political affiliations.