The latest Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) election poll conducted by Midgam Institute headed by Dr. Mina Tzemach, and released on Tuesday morning, 12 Kislev, shows that the Likud party would hold its 30 seats if elections for Knesset were held today. This comes as a surprise to many in light of the harsh criticism heard against the current administration following its decision to accept yet another Hamas-declared ceasefire.

The poll also shows that Yahadut Hatorah would gain a seat, to seven, while Shas would lose a seat, going down to six. Yesh Atid would be the second largest party, with eighteen seats and the Machane Tzioni opposition party crashes from twenty seats to twelve. The Arab List loses a seat and goes from thirteen to twelve seats.

Bayit Yehudi gains one seat to nine, while Yisrael Beitenu gains two to eight seats following the resignation of Avigdor Lieberman as defense minister. The Kulanu coalition party loses two seats and is down to eight and a new party headed by Orli Abekasis-Levi, who quit Yisrael Beitenu, would have six seats while the extreme left-wing Meretz party is down from five to four.

60% of respondents believe early elections were prevented due to political and not security considerations.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)