New Poll: Ofer Winter's Entry and Arab Party Unification Shake Up Knesset Seats

The entry of Ofer Winter into the political arena and the unification of three Arab parties are creating significant shifts in Israel's political system, according to the latest poll by Maariv.

Winter's "People of Israel" party is projected to win five seats, which would boost the coalition bloc led by Benjamin Netanyahu from 43 to 48 seats. However, this move also pushes the Religious Zionism Party, led by Bezalel Smotrich, below the electoral threshold, potentially costing the coalition valuable representation.

Simultaneously, the merger of Hadash-Ta'al and Balad strengthens the bloc of Arab parties, granting them eight seats. Combined with the five seats secured by Ra'am, this unified Arab front presents a more significant presence in the Knesset.

The poll also highlights a substantial loss of votes for smaller parties. Several parties, including Religious Zionism, The Zionist Home-The Reservists, the Economic Party, and Blue and White, are shown failing to cross the electoral threshold. These parties collectively account for about 8% of the vote, which is effectively lost, further complicating the electoral math.

These shifts are reflected in the projected Knesset composition, with Yashar falling by one seat to 25 and B’yachad rising by one seat to 15. Otzma Yehudit also loses a seat, dropping to eight. The poll also reveals widespread dissatisfaction with Israel's public education system, with 74% of Israelis expressing dissatisfaction.