Netanyahu's Likud party drops to lowest poll numbers in over a year

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party has seen a significant drop in public support, falling to 22 seats in a recent Maariv poll. This figure marks the party's lowest point since August 2025, according to the poll published Friday.

The dip in support comes amid a tense geopolitical climate, including a brief confrontation with Iran, and contentious domestic legislation, such as a law equating Torah students with IDF service members. The poll also indicated uncertainty about Netanyahu's potential candidacy in the upcoming elections, with US President Donald Trump expressing doubt.

Despite Likud's decline, the governing coalition bloc maintained its strength, holding steady at 50 seats. This stability is partly attributed to the Religious Zionism party passing the electoral threshold. However, the opposition bloc collectively holds 60 seats, indicating a strong challenge.

Within the opposition, Gadi Eisenkot's party, Yashar!, has seen a surge, gaining three seats to reach a record 20. Naftali Bennett's Together party also remains a strong contender, though it fell by two seats to 21. This has created a three-way race for the largest party among Likud, Together, and Yashar!.

Furthermore, hypothetical matchups for prime minister show both Bennett and Eisenkot leading Netanyahu. Bennett garnered 43% compared to Netanyahu's 39%, while Eisenkot led with 44% against Netanyahu's 40%. Netanyahu still leads Avigdor Lieberman, though the gap has narrowed considerably.