Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is experiencing a resurgence in his approval ratings, bolstered by his handling of the ongoing conflict, particularly against Iranian-backed Hezbollah. Following the heinous October 7 terror attack, support for Netanyahu’s coalition temporarily dipped. However, recent polling indicates a significant turnaround as his coalition of right-wing parties now garners enough support to achieve a majority in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. The latest survey conducted by Channel 14 reveals that Netanyahu’s coalition could secure 62 out of 120 seats, a notable increase from previous polls, suggesting that Israelis are responding positively to his leadership during wartime.
Recent polling data illustrates a stark contrast between Netanyahu’s coalition and the opposition parties, which lack public support amid increasing tensions with the Biden-Harris administration. While Netanyahu’s coalition is projected to secure 62 seats, the opposition is only expected to claim 48 seats, reflecting a growing discontent among voters toward those who are perceived as more eager to align with U.S. policy under President Biden. Furthermore, Arab parties are projected to gain approximately 10 seats, further complicating the political landscape. These shifts in polling underscore Netanyahu’s potential to consolidate power and increase his party’s representation to 33 seats, marking a step up from their performance in the November 2022 elections.
Netanyahu’s Likud Party initially won 32 seats in the last elections, forming a coalition with a total of 65 seats, which represented a strong mandate in a highly fragmented political system. The current polling results signal not just a legislative advantage but also bolster Netanyahu’s political legitimacy at home. This newfound strength comes at a time when President Biden had previously hinted at supporting moves to oust him, positioning Netanyahu in a defensible stance as Israeli voters express confidence in his decisions and leadership capability during the current military engagement.
The Israeli public’s reception of the government’s response to the ongoing conflict, particularly its military efficacy against Hezbollah, plays a crucial role in shaping these shifting approval ratings. Israelis are reportedly impressed with the strategies employed, which appear to have disrupted a once-formidable adversary in Hezbollah, reflecting a broader sentiment of national security and unity amidst conflict. This perspective runs counter to the Biden administration’s calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon, highlighting a divergence in policy and tactical approaches between the two governments and influencing the domestic political dialogue in Israel.
As Netanyahu continues to navigate this volatile and complex political landscape, the implications of his rising popularity extend beyond mere numbers in polls. The support he enjoys from the electorate forms a critical foundation for his government, contributing to his potential to resist international pressures, particularly those emanating from the United States. The ongoing conflict, coupled with military successes, offers Netanyahu an opportunity to further entrench his position, even as diplomatic relations with Washington may shift based on the unfolding situation on the ground.
In conclusion, Netanyahu’s improved standings in public opinion reflect a complex interplay of military successes, political maneuvering, and voter sentiment in response to both domestic and international dynamics. His coalition’s ability to maintain and potentially expand its representation in the Knesset signals a robust endorsement from Israeli voters, who perceive a strong leader capable of navigating wartime challenges. As this situation evolves, Netanyahu must balance these domestic gains with the broader international relations context, particularly as the Biden administration advocates for a ceasefire and expresses concerns about the regional conflicts involving Iran and its proxies.
