A new Channel 12 poll paints a bleak picture of public confidence in Israel’s political leadership, with overwhelming majorities expressing dissatisfaction with the outgoing Knesset, opposing key legislation passed this week, and believing that most members of Knesset are motivated by personal interests rather than the public good.

The survey, conducted ahead of the upcoming election campaign, examined not only voting intentions but also public trust in elected officials and state institutions. Its findings suggest widespread frustration with the performance of the outgoing Knesset.

When asked about their voting preferences, 49% of respondents said they currently support parties aligned with the anti-Netanyahu bloc, compared with 36% who back parties in the pro-Netanyahu coalition. Another 12% said they remain undecided, while 3% indicated they plan to vote for parties outside either of the two main political camps.

Public dissatisfaction with the Knesset was especially pronounced. Overall, 64% rated the outgoing legislature’s performance as poor, while just 33% described it as good. Three percent said they were unsure.

The partisan breakdown reflected predictable political divisions. Among opposition voters, 92% said the Knesset performed poorly, as did 62% of voters from Arab parties. Coalition voters, however, viewed the legislature far more favorably, with 73% saying it had performed well.

The poll also found a striking lack of trust in lawmakers’ motivations. Fully 74% of respondents said they believe most MKs primarily look out for their own interests, while only 17% said lawmakers are working for the benefit of the public. Nine percent said they were uncertain.

Among opposition supporters, skepticism reached 94%, while 70% of Arab-party voters shared that view. Coalition voters were more divided: 49% said MKs mainly serve themselves, while 38% believe they are working on behalf of the public.

The findings also reflected strong opposition to the Knesset’s recent legislative blitz. Respondents were asked about two major measures approved this week—the Basic Law: Torah Study and the law freezing the arrests of bnei yeshiva draft evaders. A total of 67% said they oppose the legislation.

Only 21% voiced support for the two laws, while 12% said they had no opinion. Opposition voters overwhelmingly rejected the legislation, with 93% opposed, while 73% of Arab-party voters also objected. Even within the coalition camp, opinion was sharply divided, with 45% supporting the measures and 41% opposing them.

The survey also examined public views of Shin Bet Director David Zini, whose name returned to the headlines this week after recommending lifetime security protection for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara—a recommendation later approved by the ministerial committee.

Israelis were nearly evenly split in their assessment of Zini’s performance. Thirty-nine percent rated his work negatively, while 37% gave him positive marks. A significant 24% said they were unable to express an opinion.

Political affiliation again played a major role. Among opposition voters, 61% viewed Zini’s performance negatively, as did 62% of Arab-party voters. By contrast, 67% of coalition supporters said he has performed well.

The poll also explored whether another Netanyahu election victory would prompt Israelis to consider leaving the country. Overall, 68% said they would not contemplate emigrating, while 23% acknowledged they would consider such a move. Nine percent were undecided.

Among coalition voters, 90% rejected the idea of leaving Israel. Opposition supporters were more divided: although 49% said they would remain in the country, 39% said they would consider emigrating if Netanyahu wins another term. Among Arab-party voters, only 19% said they would consider leaving.

Participants were also asked to place Israel’s leading political figures on an ideological scale ranging from 1 (far right) to 7 (far left). The results closely mirrored public perceptions of each leader’s political orientation.

Democrats Party leader Yair Golan was viewed as the furthest to the left, receiving a score of 6.0. He was followed by Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid at 5.2. Benny Gantz (4.4) and Yisr! party chairman Gadi Eisenkot (4.2) were both seen as occupying the political center with a slight lean to the left.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett marked the beginning of the right side of the spectrum with a score of 3.8, followed by Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Lieberman at 3.3. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was placed firmly on the right with a score of 2.5, while Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich received a 1.7. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was viewed as the most right-wing political leader in the survey, earning a score of 1.3.

{Matzav.com}