Poll: Likud Leading... What Do Israelis Think About a New War Against Iran and Another in Lebanon?

SadaNews - The Likud party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is leading the race in elections held today, remaining the strongest among potential rivals for the position of Prime Minister, according to a public opinion poll released on Thursday.

According to the Israeli Channel 12 poll, if elections were held today, the Likud party under Netanyahu would be the largest party in the Knesset with 25 seats, followed by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett with 21 seats, while the third largest party, the "Democrats" led by Yair Golan, would secure 12 seats.

Here are the poll results, if the elections were held today:

- Likud with 25 seats.

- Naftali Bennett's party with 21 seats.

- "Democrats" led by Yair Golan; 12.

- "Yesh Atid"; 9 seats.

- "Shas"; 8 seats.

- "Yisrael Beiteinu"; 8 seats.

- "Otzma Yehudit" led by the far-right Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir; 8.

- "Yeshar"; 8 seats.

- "United Torah Judaism"; 7 seats.

- The Joint List; 5 seats.

- "Religious Zionism" led by Bezalel Smotrich; 4.

Neither "Kahol Lavan" under Benny Gantz nor the party led by Yoaz Hendel, which relies on a base of reserve soldiers, surpasses the electoral threshold.

Who is most suitable to take over the position of Prime Minister?

Regarding who is "most suitable" to take over the position of Prime Minister, the poll indicated that Netanyahu still leads over his potential rivals. Comparing him to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, 39% of respondents believe Netanyahu is more suitable, while 34% said Bennett is the most suitable for the position, with the remaining respondents answering "neither" or "I don't know".

In a face-off against opposition leader Yair Lapid, Netanyahu garnered 42%, while Lapid received 25% support from the poll participants. The rest of the participants answered "neither" or "I don't know".

In a face-off against Eizenkot, Netanyahu received 40% support from poll participants, while Eizenkot received 30% regarding his suitability for the position, with other responses being "neither" or "I don't know".

Iran and Hezbollah

Regarding the security situation and the likelihood of escalation in Iran and Lebanon, participants were asked about their opinions regarding the possibility of a military operation in both countries.

Poll respondents were asked the following question: "In light of the escalating protests in Iran, do you think Israel should act against Iran or not?" Their responses were as follows:

- 40% said that Israel should act against Tehran.

- 37% said Israel should not act against it.

- 23% answered "I don't know".

As for Lebanon, poll participants were asked: "After the expiration of the deadline set by the administration of (former U.S. President Donald) Trump for the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah, do you think Israel should launch another operation against Hezbollah or not?" They responded as follows:

- 57% said Israel should launch an operation.

- 25% said Israel should not launch an operation.

- 18% answered "I don't know".

Performance of Ministers Ben Gvir and Nir Barkat

Participants were asked about the performance of Minister of Economy Nir Barkat, as well as the performance of Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir.

Regarding Ben Gvir, 58% of participants said his performance is "poor," while 37% considered his performance to be good, and 5% answered "I don't know".

As for Barkat, 56% said his performance is "poor", while 24% of participants considered his performance to be good, while 20% answered "I don't know".

Exemption Law from Military Service

The poll also addressed the exemption law from military service, asking participants: "Do you support or oppose the recruitment law being pushed by the government?" Their responses were as follows:

- 30% answered in support.

- 42% expressed their opposition.

9% answered that they had not heard of the exemption law from military service.

- 19% mentioned that they do not have a specific position on this issue.

In this regard, 26% of coalition voters said they oppose the exemption law from military service.