Poll: Majority of Israelis Want Netanyahu to Retire as Opposition Gains Ground

A recent poll published by Maariv reveals that 55% of Israelis prefer Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to retire from political life rather than run in the upcoming Knesset elections, while only 38% support his continued leadership of the Likud Party. The survey indicates a significant shift in the political landscape, with the current governing coalition dropping to 49 seats, falling short of a majority. Conversely, the opposition bloc, excluding Arab parties, has strengthened to hold 61 mandates. Within the coalition, both Likud and Otzma Yehudit lost one seat each, although the Shas Party gained one. In the opposition, Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar! Party increased its projection to 16 seats. The poll also explored alternative electoral alliances, suggesting that a joint list featuring former leaders like Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, and Eisenkot could secure 49 seats. Additionally, a potential partnership between Yoaz Hendel and Chili Tropper is projected to pass the electoral threshold with four seats. These findings highlight growing public desire for political change and the fragility of the current government's standing ahead of the next election cycle.