A Smith Institute popularity poll released on Friday morning, 18 Sivan for Maariv Weekend edition, revealed if elections were held today, Likud would earn 34 seats and Yisrael Beitenu, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s party, earns two additional seats.

The poll also determines the popularity of the two senior cabinet ministers, with 58% of the nation expressing satisfaction for the performance of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu as opposed to 42% who are not satisfied. This represents a 7% increase in satisfaction rating as compared to earlier polls.

Arik Bender of Maariv adds that the poll is especially welcome for Lieberman, who had no previous defense establishment experience. 22% of respondents view him as the most suited person to serve in his position. Interestingly, he emerges with a higher rating than some former IDF Chiefs of Staff including Gabi Ashkenazi (21%) and Moshe Ya’alon (17%). He also enjoys a higher rating than some politicians including Naftali Bennet with 11%, and Ehud Barak, a former Prime Minister & IDF Chief of Staff with only 7%.

Likud earns 34 seats, as compared to its current 30 seats. Other results include Yesh Atid with 17 (11 currently), Machane Tzioni headed by Avi Gabbai, with 11 seats (24 currently), Arab List with 10 seats (13 currently).

Bayit Yehudi increases by a seat to 9, Yisrael Beitenu increases by two to 8, Kulanu drops three to 7, Yahadut Hatorah (currently 6) and Meretz (currently 5) earn 6 and Shas 5 (currently 7). The party of Orli Abekasis earns 5 as well.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)