A new public opinion survey indicates that a clear majority of Israelis would prefer to see a new prime minister after the next election, while confidence in the government’s handling of the conflict with Hezbollah remains low and President Donald Trump is widely viewed as the dominant influence on Israel’s security policy.

According to a poll published by Channel 12 News, 58% of respondents said they want someone other than Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to lead the country following the next election. Only 32% said they would like Netanyahu to remain in office for another term.

The survey also revealed striking perceptions regarding Israel’s security decision-making. Fully 67% of respondents said they believe President Donald Trump is the person who effectively determines Israel’s security policy, while only 22% said Netanyahu is the primary decision-maker.

Even among voters who intend to support parties in the governing coalition, Trump was viewed as the more influential figure. Among that group, 47% said Trump sets Israel’s security policy, compared to 43% who credited Netanyahu.

Participants were also asked whether recent events had increased their concerns about the future of Israeli democracy. The question followed reports alleging that Likud lawmakers were pressured to photograph themselves while voting in the State Comptroller election, as well as protests and disturbances outside the home of Deputy Supreme Court President Justice Noam Sohlberg.

A majority of respondents expressed concern, with 53% saying they are worried about the future of democracy in Israel. By contrast, 38% said they are not concerned.

When asked to evaluate the leadership’s performance in the war against Hezbollah, respondents delivered largely negative ratings to senior political officials.

Netanyahu received a negative overall assessment from 56% of those surveyed, while 39% said his performance had been generally positive.

Defense Minister Israel Katz fared even worse. Sixty percent rated his performance negatively, while just 31% gave him a favorable assessment.

In contrast, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir received significantly stronger marks from the public. Fifty-nine percent said he has performed well during the conflict with Hezbollah, while 28% rated his performance negatively.

The survey also examined which national leader Israelis view as the most trustworthy. Former IDF Chief of Staff and National Unity Party leader Gadi Eisenkot led the field with 38%, followed by Netanyahu at 27%. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett trailed with 12%.

Eisenkot also topped the list when respondents were asked who would best represent and care for the interests of his voters. He received 28%, followed by Netanyahu at 25% and Bennett at 16%.

On the question of who would best safeguard Israel’s security, Eisenkot again finished first with 36%, narrowly ahead of Netanyahu, who received 33%. Bennett remained far behind at 12%.

Economic issues produced a different result. Asked who would be most effective in addressing the economy and the rising cost of living, respondents placed Bennett first at 28%, followed by Netanyahu at 26% and Eisenkot at 16%.

The survey also found that Netanyahu received the weakest rating on the issue of healing divisions within Israeli society. Eisenkot led that category with 27%, Bennett followed with 21%, and Netanyahu came in at 20%.

{Matzav.com}