The Trump Factor: New Poll Reveals if Israelis Trust Washington to Stop Iran
A dramatic new Channel 12 poll shows the Likud and Gadi Eisenkot’s "Yashar" party gaining momentum, while a majority of the public expresses deep skepticism toward the ceasefire and the government's economic performance.
A fresh political poll released by Channel 12 on Thursday evening shows a significant shift in Israeli public opinion following the announcement of a 10 day ceasefire in the north. The data indicates that if elections were held today, the current coalition would remain far from a majority, securing only 51 seats compared to 69 for the opposition. Despite this, Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party is showing signs of recovery, strengthening by two seats to reach 25. Meanwhile, the newly formed "Bennett 2026" party under Naftali Bennett has seen a slight decline, dropping to 20 seats, as Gadi Eisenkot’s "Yashar" party climbs to 14.
The poll highlights a profound disconnect between the government's diplomatic moves and the will of the people. A clear majority of 51% of Israelis oppose the ceasefire with Hezbollah while negotiations are ongoing, compared to only 29% who support it. The opposition is even more pronounced among coalition voters, with 64% rejecting the pause in fighting. This sentiment is echoed in the public's view of international mediation, specifically regarding the Trump administration's role in the Iranian nuclear issue. Only 33% of respondents trust President Donald Trump to safeguard Israeli interests in a deal with Tehran, while 48% stated they do not trust him, reflecting a "trust gap" that is particularly wide among opposition supporters.
On the domestic front, the government is facing a severe crisis of confidence regarding its economic management of the war. A staggering 72% of the public believes the government has not done enough to support those financially harmed by the war. Even among the coalition’s own voter base, half of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the economic response. This widespread frustration over the cost of living and the lack of state support remains a major anchor on the government's popularity, even as Netanyahu continues to lead his rivals in suitability for the premiership, polling at 42% compared to Yair Lapid’s 27% and Naftali Bennett’s 34%.