Latest polls: Coalition, opposition tie at 52 seats

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 11, 2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party gained one seat in a recent poll, resulting in an equal split of 52 seats each for the coalition and opposition blocs in Israel’s 120-member Knesset. The survey highlights a highly competitive political landscape ahead of the next election, with Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party leading in potential votes and significant public opposition to including Arab parties in the government coalition.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party gained one seat in the latest Maagariv poll, bringing the coalition and opposition blocs into a deadlock with 52 seats each in the 120-member Knesset. The poll reflects shifting dynamics in the run-up to Israel’s next elections and follows recent memorial events and protests commemorating the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7.

Within the opposition, Yair Golan’s The Democrats lost one seat, while the other parties in the bloc saw no change. Among coalition members, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party dropped one seat, balanced by a one-seat gain for the Religious Zionist Party. The Arab parties’ combined strength remained steady at 12 seats.

When asked which party they would vote for if elections were held today, respondents showed a lead for Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party with 21 seats. Likud followed closely with 20 seats, and Naftali Bennett’s B’Yachad secured 13. The Democrats and Yisrael Beytenu each received nine seats, while Otzma Yehudit garnered eight. The United Arab List, United Torah Judaism, and Shas each held seven seats, the Religious Zionist Party had six, and Ra’am five. The People of Israel Party and the Reservists-Economic Party each gained four seats.

The survey indicated strong voter engagement, with 78% of respondents certain they would vote and another 18% expecting to participate. Opposition supporters showed higher motivation, with 86% certain to vote, compared to 81% among coalition supporters.

In head-to-head matchups for prime minister, Eisenkot maintained a six-point lead over Netanyahu, receiving 46% support to the prime minister’s 40%, consistent with previous polling. Netanyahu narrowed the gap against former prime minister Naftali Bennett to two points, with Bennett at 44% and Netanyahu at 42%. Netanyahu also held a six-point lead over Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman, receiving 44% support to Liberman’s 38%.

Public opinion remains divided on government coalition composition. A majority of 59% oppose the inclusion of an Arab party in the next coalition, while 36% support it and 5% were undecided. Conversely, 53% support incorporating a haredi (ultra-Orthodox) party, with 41% opposed and 6% undecided.

Regarding preferred prime minister candidates, 38% of Israelis chose Netanyahu, followed by Eisenkot at 24% and Bennett at 14%. Other candidates registered only single-digit support.

The poll was conducted from October 7 to 8 by the Lazar Research Institute, led by Dr. Menachem Lazar, in cooperation with Panel4ALL. Of 4,667 invited participants, 700 completed the survey, yielding a margin of error of 3.7 percentage points.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.