It was only a little over a month ago when popular television host and journalist Yair Lapid announced his decision to enter Israel’s political arena. The move was hailed a threat to many parties, including Kadima and the political left.

According to a survey conducted by Prof. Avi Degani, of Geocartograhpia, Lapid’s decision to avoid the media and to grant interviews have impacted his popularity, and if elections were held today, he would only earn six Knesset seats.

The report, carried in the daily HaMevaser, adds Likud would earn 39 mandates (up from current 33), Yisrael Beitenu 13 (down from 16). Kadima would receive 12 seats (up from 11), and Shas 9 (up from 8).

The coalition right-wing bloc would increase from the current 68 seats to 76.

The report adds that Lapid’s popularity has dropped significantly, from 20 seats at the time he made his announcement, to 6 today.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)