Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party is riding a wave of growing support in recent Israeli polls, showing Netanyahu could likely retain power if elections were held today. The latest Direct Polls survey, renowned for its accurate predictions in Israel’s 2022 general election, reveals Likud’s projected increase to 33 seats in the 120-member Knesset. This would mark a gain of one mandate from the previous general election results and two more than the last poll published just weeks ago.
The survey, conducted on October 13 with a representative sample of 472 Israeli adults, carries a margin of error of 4.4%. It suggests a comfortable lead for Likud over rivals, including Benny Gantz’s National Unity and Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu, each estimated to secure 15 seats. Other parties, including Shas and the Democrats, follow with 10 seats each, while Yesh Atid and United Torah Judaism each garner eight mandates.
Despite a rise in Likud’s support, public opinion is mixed on the government’s performance, particularly regarding security concerns at Israel’s southern and northern borders. According to a July poll by Direct Polls, 60% of Israelis expressed dissatisfaction with how the government is managing ongoing border conflicts with Hamas in the south and Hezbollah to the north. Moreover, a majority of 54% believe that early elections amid these tensions would harm Israel’s defense efforts.
With the next scheduled election in 2026, Netanyahu appears poised to solidify his position unless early elections are triggered by a government collapse.
