"Embarrassing": Social Media Mocks Naftali Bennett Over "Purchased" Poll Leak
Former PM Naftali Bennett faces a social media firestorm after leaking a poll showing a potential win with Gadi Eisenkot. Critics call the move "desperate" and a "bought achievement" as the 2026 campaign intensifies.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is facing a wave of ridicule online following his latest campaign maneuver. On Thursday, Bennett published a poll conducted by Mano Geva, suggesting that a union between his "Bennett 2026" party and Gadi Eisenkot’s "Yashar" party would clinch a victory in the upcoming elections.
The "Leaked" Poll Strategy
According to journalist Michael Shemesh, the move appears to be a calculated attempt to pressure Eisenkot into a joint run. Shemesh noted that Bennett reportedly commissioned the poll, "leaked" it to Channel 13’s Hatzinor program, and then presented the broadcast as a proven achievement.
"Bennett is cranking up the pressure on Eisenkot," Shemesh wrote, questioning how the "first publication" was coordinated.
Online Backlash: "Desperate" and "Bought"
The response across social media was swift and largely derisive, with many users accusing the former Prime Minister of manufacturing momentum out of desperation.
Claims of Bias: One user directly challenged the validity of the data, writing: "Swindler, you might win a pre-bought Mano Geva poll, but you aren't winning any elections. Not now, and not ever."
The Eisenkot Factor: Another commenter questioned the leadership hierarchy presented in the poll: "Why don't you publish what happens if Eisenkot heads such a union? Are his numbers better than yours?"
General Sentiment: Comments such as "How embarrassing, wow" and "A move born of desperation" trended alongside the report.
The 2026 Political Map
The clash comes as various factions jockey for position in a highly volatile political landscape. Bennett’s attempt to position himself as the natural leader of a centrist-liberal bloc remains a point of contention, especially among critics who remain skeptical of his ability to replicate his past political maneuvers.