Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu and Kadima leader Tzipi Livni are battling for first place as the last polls are released ahead of Tuesday’s general election.
According to the poll in the Shabbos edition of Ma’ariv, Likud leads with 26 seats, followed by Kadima with 23. Yisrael Beitenu continues to climb, now with 19 seats. For the first time in its history, the Labor Party may only be the fourth largest party, with 17 seats, followed by Shas (10), Meretz (6), Yahadut HaTorah (5), Chadash (4), Ra’am-Ta’al (4), Ichud Leumi (3), Bayit Yehudi (3), Pensioners (2), and Balad (2).
It is difficult to know just what kind of government the nation will have next week, but it appears clear, that Avigdor Lieberman and his Yisrael Beitenu Party will have more than a small say in the makeup.
Realizing the power is in his hands, since his party will be required in any coalition for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset, Lieberman is keeping his cards close to his vest, not announcing who he will recommend to President Peres to form the next government, Netanyahu or Livni.
Some analysts believe it is entirely in the realm of possibility that Lieberman may also pass Kadima as he continues earning seats.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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5 Responses
The poll doesn’t reflect the parties that fall below the threshold have their votes ignored, and their seats redistributed based on who is next, not on the basis of ideology.
Lieberman is hardly required for a coalition, but without him Likud or Kadimah would probably have to work together, perhaps combined with Labor, the Hareidi parties OR Lieberman (and having a choice, the people making a choice get more patronage).
Likud will probably get 30 seats and bibi will be PM. THe frum had 5 seats 15 years ago. Can someone explain to me why they are still at 5 ? There population doubles every 15 years or so
#2,
The frum had 5 seats 50 years ago. They do not grow because the frum do not trust the frum parties. Many charedi I know are voting for Lieberman bec they trust him more than than anyone else that he will not give away Yerushalim.
Lieberman has expressed some very valid points and is not mincing words, rightfully so.
# 2 and # 3 please note that Shas is also a frum party chaired by Maran Harav Ovadia Yosef one of the Gedolei Hador.
It is a Sephardi party but it is still driven by the Torah. Indeed several traditional “Gimmel” voters will vote for them this time.
Please try not to be racist and elitist