Netanyahu's Coalition Takes a Hit: Eisenkot's Yashar Surges Ahead in Latest Israel Election Polls

The latest polls in Israel have sent shockwaves through the political establishment, with Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party surging ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. According to a recent Maariv poll, the coalition bloc has lost one seat, dropping to just 48 Knesset seats, while Yashar has gained two, giving it 23 mandates. This significant shift in momentum has left the Prime Minister's future looking increasingly uncertain.

The decline of Netanyahu's coalition is attributed largely to the Likud's internal struggles, which have seen the party lose one seat, dropping to 21 mandates. Meanwhile, Yashar's rise can be attributed to its strong leadership and policy platform, which has resonated with voters. The party's emphasis on social justice, economic equality, and a two-state solution has clearly struck a chord with many Israelis, who are increasingly disillusioned with the status quo.

The Zionist opposition bloc has also gained momentum, reaching 57 seats and putting it in a strong position to secure a majority in the Knesset. When combined with the Zionist Home-The Reservists, led by Chili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel, the opposition has the potential to secure 61 seats, a significant blow to Netanyahu's chances of returning to power. The Arab parties have also gained ground, receiving an additional 11 seats, which further erodes the coalition's chances of success.

The Maisar party, led by Benny Begin, has also made significant gains, recovering one seat this week to reach 10 mandates. This is a blow to Netanyahu's coalition, which has long relied on the support of the party's hawkish faction. Meanwhile, the Unity Party, led by Gilad Erdan, has failed to cross the electoral threshold, receiving just 1.7% of the vote.

The latest poll results paint a bleak picture for Netanyahu's coalition. The Economic Party, led by Prof. Yaron Zelekha, has also failed to gain traction, receiving just 2.5% of the vote. This means that the parties that have failed to pass the electoral threshold account for the equivalent of approximately five Knesset seats, a significant blow to the coalition's chances of success.

The survey also examined a scenario in which three Arab parties - Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad - run together, while Yoav Segalovich joins Ra'am in the party's second slot. The arrangement was found to benefit all four parties, as the joint Arab list would gain two seats, bringing it to eight, and Ra'am would gain one to reach six. In this scenario, Netanyahu's coalition would fall to 47 seats, one fewer than under the current scenario, while the Zionist opposition would lose two seats, dropping to 55.

Furthermore, the latest poll results have also shown a significant shift in public preference for prime minister, with 49% of Israelis supporting Gadi Eisenkot compared to just 38% for Netanyahu. In addition, a majority of Israelis, 64%, believe that if, following an agreement between the United States and Iran, Israel were to identify an immediate threat from Iran requiring military action, it should carry out a strike even on its own and without US approval.

The survey was conducted by Lazar Research, headed by Dr. Menachem Lazar, in cooperation with Panel4ALL, on August 12-13 among a representative sample of Israel's adult population aged 18 and over, including Jewish and Arab respondents. A total of 3,112 people were invited to participate, with 506 respondents completing the survey, a response rate of 16%. The maximum margin of sampling error is 4.4%.

As the election season heats up in Israel, the polls are sending a clear message: change is in the air. With Netanyahu's coalition facing increasingly uncertain prospects, it is clear that the Israeli people are seeking a new direction. Whether Eisenkot's Yashar can capitalize on this momentum and secure a majority in the Knesset remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Israeli politics landscape will never be the same again.

As the Knesset composition would be if the current poll results hold, the parties would be as follows: Likud - 21 mandates, Yashar - 23, Zionist opposition - 57, Arab parties - 16, Democrats party - 10 mandates, and the remaining parties below the threshold. This outcome would have significant implications for the future of Israel, with Eisenkot's Yashar promising to deliver a more just and equal society, and a more responsible and responsive government.