Story perspectives

Netanyahu 34% Approval, Together Ties Likud, Arab Bloc Kingmakers

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Netanyahu’s approval fell to 34% while only 10% view the Iran war as successful, raising doubts about his 2026 re-election.
Polls project the Together list to win 24 to 27 Knesset seats, roughly matching Likud.
Analysts compare the Together merger to Hungary’s unified opposition that ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule as prime minister.
The Arab bloc, expected to win at least ten seats, could act as kingmakers in coalition talks.

History

Historical Context

In Hungary’s April 2022 parliamentary election, the unified opposition coalition defeated Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz, ending his 16-year rule. The alliance, comprising six parties, secured 54% of the vote and 199 of 199 seats, surpassing Likud’s 34% approval in Israel. Today’s Israeli Together list mirrors that strategy, merging Likud-aligned factions to challenge Netanyahu’s waning support and target a coalition majority. If the Israeli bloc replicates Hungary’s success, it could reshape the Knesset, granting the Arab bloc king-maker leverage in future governments.

1 of 2

Story summary

Netanyahu’s approval fell to 34% while only 10% view the Iran war as successful, raising doubts about his 2026 re-election.
Polls project the Together list to win 24 to 27 Knesset seats, roughly matching Likud.
Analysts compare the Together merger to Hungary’s unified opposition that ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule as prime minister.
The Arab bloc, expected to win at least ten seats, could act as kingmakers in coalition talks.

1 / 2