{
  "id": 6269858,
  "title": "Eisenkot-led coalition has pathway to 61 seats without Arab parties for first time - poll",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/eisenkot-led-coalition-has-pathway-to-61-seats-without-arab-parties",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T11:10:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-907949"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The opposition bloc, led by Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot, could achieve a 61-seat majority in the Knesset without the involvement of Arab parties, according to a new Maariv poll. This scenario would occur if Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha's joint slate joins the opposition, following the decline of Ofer Winter's Amcha Israel party below the electoral threshold. The poll, conducted by Lazar Research in collaboration with Panel4ALL, indicated a significant shift in the political landscape. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition dwindled to just 47 seats, down from 51, while the Zionist opposition remained at 57 seats. With the additional four seats gained by the joint Reservists-Economic Party slate, the opposition could secure a majority of 61 seats, even without the Arab parties. However, the poll was conducted prior to the completion of candidate-list submissions, leaving room for further changes. Yashar gained two seats after submitting its candidate list, while Beyachad, led by Naftali Bennett, lost two seats. The Arab parties received a total of 12 seats, and the picture remains uncertain as the Hendel-Zelekha slate and Amcha Israel hover around the electoral threshold.",
  "summary": "Additionally, Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition dropped by four seats to just 47.",
  "key_points": [
    "Yashar-led coalition could secure 61 seats without Arab parties.",
    "Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha's joint slate joining opposition.",
    "Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition reduced to 47 seats."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}