Jerusalem voters split on Netanyahu as opposition lead widens

The opposition bloc now holds a six-seat lead over the governing coalition ahead of Tuesday's Knesset election, according to a Maariv poll by Lazar Research released Friday. This margin is sufficient to prevent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from retaining his post, as the Knesset requires 61 of its 120 seats to form a government. The two largest parties remain separated by only two seats, making the contest tight despite the wider bloc advantage.

Voters in Jerusalem, a key right-wing stronghold, are divided on who should lead the next government. A recent street survey conducted at Shuk Mahane Yehuda and Ben Yehuda Street found that while residents share core values regarding security and religion, their loyalty to specific candidates is fractured. The interviewees were selected randomly and kept anonymous, with only their gender recorded.

Many residents expressed strong support for Netanyahu, citing his alliance with the United States and his policy stance. One voter stated that he is a great ally to America, which in turn is a great ally to him. Another noted that his policies are the right ones to follow. These sentiments reflect a segment of the electorate that views the current leadership as a stabilizing force.

Conversely, a significant number of interviewees indicated they would vote against the current prime minister. One man said he is voting for a rival because he dislikes part of the current government's attitude. A supporter of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said she believes his running mates will create good rules for the country. She added that he cares about the nation rather than populism or personal gain.

Uncertainty remains a factor in many voting decisions. A woman in the Nachlaot neighborhood said she wants a government that supports Torah learning and lowers prices. However, she admitted she does not understand politics well enough to make a final choice without consulting her husband. Other voters rely on family advice or rabbinical guidance to determine their ballot selection.

Security and religious alignment drive voting behavior for many respondents. Several voters said they support Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich or National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir due to their focus on security and religious values. One interviewee described Smotrich as providing the security she believes in, while another noted that his party aligns with her religious community. These specific policy alignments often outweigh broader party loyalty.

Voter turnout is expected to be higher than in 2022. The Maariv poll found that 81% of Israelis are certain they will vote, up from a 71% turnout in the previous election cycle. In 2022, Likud received approximately 23% of the vote, Yesh Atid received 17.79%, and the Religious Zionist Party received 10.84%, according to the official Knesset website.