By Abdelraouf Arnaout
JERUSALEM (AA) - A poll published on Friday showed that the ongoing Israeli offensive on Lebanon, which has killed hundreds this week, has significantly boosted the popularity of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, increasing its projected number of seats in the parliament.
According to the survey, if elections were held today, Likud would lead with 25 seats in the Knesset, compared to 19 for its main rival, the opposition National Unity party led by Benny Gantz.
The survey, conducted by Israeli daily Maariv, highlighted that “on the backdrop of a series of harsh blows dealt to Hezbollah and the escalating fighting in the north, Likud has strengthened this week.”
This is the first time since the war on Gaza began last Oct. 7 that Likud has gained such an advantage.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party, meanwhile, would gain 15 seats.
Then it is Avigdor Lieberman’s right-wing opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party with 14 seats.
Overall, the results show Netanyahu’s opposition bloc winning 57 seats, while his support bloc would garner 53 seats in the event of elections today. Arab parties are projected to hold 10 seats.
To form a government in Israel, a majority of at least 61 members is required.
Imminent elections are not expected as Netanyahu has refused to call for a vote while the war in Gaza, which has claimed more than 41,000 Palestinian lives since the Oct. 7 Hamas incursion, continues.
* Writing by Ikram Kouachi