Story perspectives

Netanyahu's Likud Declines as Ben-Gvir's Party Surges Ahead

4/17/2026

Center

Netanyahu's Party Declines

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud faces declining support, polling at 25–28 seats in the Knesset amid a ceasefire with Iran.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit has surged to 10 seats, attracting younger right-wing voters.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party fails to meet the electoral threshold as outreach to mainstream religious voters falters amid anger over ultra-Orthodox exemptions.
A general election is expected by late October.

Left

Netanyahu Faces Backlash

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government faces backlash after a ceasefire with Iran, with 61% of Israelis opposing it.
Analysts say the deal leaves Iran's capabilities intact and Netanyahu's promises of decisive victory fall short.
Opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, accuse Netanyahu of turning Israel into a protectorate of the United States.
Despite backlash, there remains a consensus on Iran's existential threat, complicating Netanyahu's political navigation.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party formed a coalition government after winning 27 Knesset seats, despite Kadima's larger share. This shift reflected rising public discontent over security policies, with 61% opposing a ceasefire with Iran. The emergence of right-wing factions, including Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party, indicates a significant realignment in Israeli politics, foreshadowing future electoral volatility.

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Netanyahu's Party Declines

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud faces declining support, polling at 25–28 seats in the Knesset amid a ceasefire with Iran.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit has surged to 10 seats, attracting younger right-wing voters.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party fails to meet the electoral threshold as outreach to mainstream religious voters falters amid anger over ultra-Orthodox exemptions.
A general election is expected by late October.

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