Poll shows opposition gains as Israelis resist government's legislative push

Public opinion in Israel appears to be shifting, with a new poll revealing significant support for the opposition bloc over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. The survey found that 49% of respondents would back parties opposing Netanyahu, while only 36% support his bloc. A notable 12% remain undecided.

The poll, presented on N12, also highlighted widespread public disapproval of legislation recently approved by the Knesset. This indicates growing discontent with the government's agenda beyond just political alignment.

Adding to the political headwinds, recent data reveals a concerning trend of emigration from Israel. Between 2022 and 2024, approximately 180,000 people left the country. After accounting for those who returned, Israel experienced a net population loss of over 103,900 individuals during this three-year period. This trend is particularly stark in major cities like Haifa and Jerusalem, which recorded net departures.

The poll also touched upon public perception of Shin Bet Chief David Zini's performance. While 37% viewed his work positively, a slightly higher 39% rated it negatively, with 24% undecided. This narrow gap reflects the deep divisions within the Israeli public regarding his conduct and statements, with his ratings falling below those typically seen for senior defense officials.