Netanyahu's coalition loses seats, opposition secures majority: Poll

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
31 Jan 2025 12:49

A poll reveals that 57% of Israelis believe the war isn’t over, 31% say it is, and 12% remain uncertain about Gaza’s situation.

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Zaharia al-Zubaidi is carried by supporters in Ramallah after being released from an Israeli prison. (AP)

A recent poll conducted by the Israeli newspaper Maariv revealed a decline in support for the coalition led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the bloc losing two seats this week.

The drop comes amid the ongoing prisoner-captive exchange deal and the return of hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents to northern Gaza. In contrast, the opposition bloc—excluding Arab parties—gained a majority, securing 61 seats.

The poll also explored scenarios in which Naftali Bennett leads a competing party. Despite a minor decrease from 67 to 66 seats compared to the previous week, the opposition remains largely stable. Netanyahu’s bloc, on the other hand, increased its seats slightly, from 43 to 44.

This week, the coalition gained only 49 seats, while the opposition secured 61, with Arab parties collectively earning 10 seats.

The public’s optimism surrounding the prisoner exchange deal appears to be growing, as per the newspaper.

When asked whether the deal would be completed, 36% of respondents answered "yes"—a notable increase from 28% in the previous poll—while 36% answered "no" (down from 39% last week), and 28% were unsure.

In response to the question, "In light of Gaza residents returning to northern Gaza, can it be said that the war is over?" 31% answered "yes", 57% said "no", and 12% were uncertain.

Settlers doubt war's success: Only 4% see full achievement

Regarding the war's objectives, only 4% believed they were fully achieved. In contrast, 57% felt the objectives were only partially achieved, and 32% believed the objectives were not met at all. 7% remained unsure.

Lastly, when questioned about the Haredi parties’ threat to Netanyahu—"Either the conscription law or elections—what do you choose?"—30% supported the conscription law, 57% favored elections, and 13% were undecided.

Hamas and "Israel" had reached a ceasefire agreement, with its first phase—implemented on January 19—outlining a prisoner exchange between the two sides and an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to the besieged enclave.

Under the ceasefire agreement, the first phase of the three-stage deal is set to last six weeks, with 33 Israeli captives being returned from Gaza in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian detainees.