Opinion poll projects close Israel election race

Opinion poll projects close Israel election race

An opinion survey recently conducted in Israel has shown that ruling and opposition blocs are neck and neck with neither of them expected to secure a majority in a general election on October 27.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who seeks to stay in office, spoke at a rally of his right-wing Likud party in mid-September.

Netanyahu touted what he considers to be achievements made by military campaigns in the Gaza Strip, Iran, Lebanon and elsewhere after cross-border assaults on Israel by the Islamic group Hamas in 2023. He argued that Israel had saved itself from annihilation by attacking masterminds of terrorist acts.

Opposition forces have been increasingly critical of Netanyahu for his alleged failure to prevent the Hamas attacks.

Opinion survey results reported by the Israeli TV broadcaster Channel 12 several days ago showed that Likud could see its parliamentary seats reduced by more than a third compared to the pre-election level. The poll outcome also indicated that the opposition Yashar party could emerge as the largest force.

Election campaigning is expected to shift into high gear after the current Jewish holiday period ends early next month.