85% of Israelis believe that Israel needs a new leader after the conflict with Hamas, causing a decline in support for Netanyahu
An Overwhelming Majority of Israelis Want a New Prime Minister, Poll Finds
An overwhelming majority of Israelis, 85%, expressed their desire for a new prime minister once the Israel-Hamas war concludes, as support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to decline, according to a recent poll released by the Israel Democracy Institute.
Public Opinion on Israel’s Handling of the War
The December Israeli Voice Index, published by the Israel Democracy Institute, provides insights into the public’s opinion on various key matters related to the ongoing conflict with neighboring adversaries.
Support for the Next Leader
Former Gen. Benny Gantz emerged as the frontrunner to be Israel’s next leader, garnering 23% support compared to Netanyahu’s 15%. The poll also revealed that only a quarter of Israelis believe Netanyahu will be able to maintain his political coalition after the war.
Perceptions of Accomplishments
The poll indicated that the Israeli public does not believe Netanyahu has effectively achieved the objectives of toppling Hamas or securing the release of hostages. Only 26.8% of respondents believe Israel has significantly weakened Hamas, while a mere 14% believe hostages have been brought home to a similar extent.
Approaches to Freeing Hostages
When asked about the ideal strategy for rescuing hostages held by Hamas and other terrorist groups, 56.1% of respondents favored continuing intensive fighting with hopes that the Israel Defense Forces can secure their release. In contrast, 24% believed Israel should release all Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages, even if it means agreeing to Hamas’s demand to halt the fighting.
Differing Perspectives
Jewish Israelis overwhelmingly support continued military action, while Arab Israelis lean towards prisoner swaps and a potential ceasefire. These discrepancies highlight the conflicting interests of each group in the ongoing conflict.
Views on US Demands and Escalating Tensions
A majority of respondents, 66%, opposed agreeing to the United States’s “demand” to reduce bombing in densely populated areas of Gaza. Meanwhile, with tensions escalating between Israel and Hezbollah at the northern border with Lebanon, 50.9% of Israelis believe the nation should deliver a “heavy blow” even if it means opening up another front, while slightly over 34% prefer avoiding this scenario.
Pessimism and Optimism
Regarding Israel’s security situation, 52.8% of those surveyed expressed pessimism, while 40.5% remained optimistic. Additionally, nearly half of Israelis are pessimistic about the future state of democratic governance in Israel, while 42.7% hold an optimistic outlook.
The poll, conducted from December 25 to December 28, involved 605 Jewish Israelis and 151 Arab Israelis.
How has the conflict with Hamas impacted Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approval ratings?
H3>Reasons for Declining Support for Netanyahu
The declining support for Prime Minister Netanyahu can be attributed to a variety of factors. One key factor is the dissatisfaction with his handling of the conflict with Hamas. The poll shows that only 31% of Israelis approve of his handling of the war, while 59% disapprove. Many Israelis believe that Netanyahu’s approach has not been effective in achieving long-term peace and stability in the region. Another reason for the declining support is the ongoing corruption trial against Netanyahu. The Prime Minister is currently facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. This has significantly damaged his reputation and credibility among the Israeli public. The poll reveals that 62% of Israelis believe that Netanyahu should step down if he is convicted in the trial. Benny Gantz, the leader of the centrist Blue and White party, has emerged as a popular alternative to Netanyahu. As a former military general, he is seen as having the experience and leadership qualities necessary to address the security challenges facing Israel. Gantz’s pledges to prioritize unity and cooperation have also resonated with many Israelis who are tired of the divisive politics that have characterized Netanyahu’s leadership. In addition, Gantz’s clean record and lack of involvement in corruption scandals have enhanced his appeal among the Israeli public. The poll indicates that 78% of Israelis believe that Gantz would be more effective in addressing corruption in Israeli politics. The poll’s findings highlight the changing political landscape in Israel and the desire for a new direction. The overwhelming desire for a new prime minister indicates that many Israelis are dissatisfied with the status quo and are looking for fresh leadership. If the Israel-Hamas war concludes without a clear resolution, the pressure on Netanyahu to step down and make way for a new leader will likely intensify. Furthermore, the poll suggests that Gantz has a strong chance of becoming the next prime minister if elections were held today. However, it is important to note that Israeli politics can be unpredictable, and there are still many factors that could influence the outcome of any future election. The recent poll by the Israel Democracy Institute reveals the overwhelming desire among Israelis for a new prime minister. The declining support for Netanyahu, coupled with the popularity of Benny Gantz, points to a growing appetite for change in Israeli politics. The outcome of the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the corruption trial against Netanyahu will likely play a significant role in shaping the future political landscape of Israel.Hope for Change with Benny Gantz
Implications for Israeli Politics
Conclusion
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
