Poll: majority of ‘Israelis’ believe Netanyahu should leave politics, not seek re-election

A recent survey conducted by Hebrew Channel 12 has highlighted significant public discontent with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s continued leadership, as ‘Israel’ prepares for elections scheduled by late October 2026.

The poll indicates that 59 percent of respondents believe Netanyahu should leave politics and not run for office again, compared to 33 percent who support his candidacy and 8 percent who remain undecided.

This marks the second such survey this month reflecting similar sentiments.

The findings underscore growing voter fatigue with Netanyahu, ‘Israel’s’ longest-serving prime minister, amid conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.

Despite his Likud party maintaining a leading position in many voting intention polls, projections suggest his current coalition may struggle to secure the 61 seats needed for a Knesset majority.

When asked about potential successors to lead Likud following Netanyahu, respondents showed fragmented preferences.

Economy Minister Nir Barkat emerged as the top choice with 18 percent support. Justice Minister Yariv Levin received 9 percent, Defense Minister Israel Katz 7 percent, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana 6 percent.

These results point to a lack of a clear frontrunner within the party at present.

Broader polling trends this year reveal a complex political landscape.

While Likud often leads individual party projections, opposition blocs, including those associated with figures such as Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot, have shown strength in recent surveys.

Voter sentiment in northern ‘Israel’, heavily affected by regional hostilities, has shifted notably against the current government.

Netanyahu’s Likud party has affirmed that he will seek reelection, expressing confidence in his prospects.

However, multiple independent polls, including those from the ‘Israel’ Democracy Institute, indicate that a substantial portion of the electorate, including some center-right voters, favors a change in leadership.

Some note that Netanyahu’s political resilience has historically defied polling expectations, yet current data suggests mounting pressure for generational transition within ‘Israeli’ politics.