Stalemate in prisoner swap negotiations strengthens Israeli opposition: Poll

By Abderaouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) - A public opinion poll in Israel on Friday said the current stalemate in negotiations to end the war in Gaza has slightly strengthened the country's opposition.

This week's Maariv newspaper poll said amid the deadlock in talks for a hostage-prisoner swap and cease-fire in the enclave, the opposition could gain one more seat compared to the previous poll, reaching a majority of 62 seats.

Netanyahu’s bloc, meanwhile, could secure 48 seats and Arab parties 10 seats if elections are held today.

Hamas on Wednesday announced a delay in reaching the agreement, citing new Israeli conditions related to prisoner releases, the withdrawal of forces, and the return of displaced persons.

The opposition and families of the hostages accuse Netanyahu of stalling negotiations to protect his position and government.

Far-right ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have threatened to withdraw from the coalition if a total cease-fire in Gaza is accepted.

The poll suggested that if elections were held today, Netanyahu’s Likud party would win 23 seats, while the centrist opposition party National Unity, led by Benny Gantz, would secure 20 seats.

In a hypothetical scenario where former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett returns to politics, the opposition would still maintain 62 seats, while Netanyahu’s bloc would drop to 44 seats, with Arab parties holding 10 seats.

Despite increasing political pressure, Netanyahu has rejected calls for early elections during the ongoing war, leaving no immediate prospect for a vote.

To form a government in Israel, a bloc must secure the support of at least 61 of the 120 Knesset members.

Israel has killed more than 45,000 people in Gaza since the Oct. 7, 2023 cross-fence attack by Hamas, reducing the enclave to rubble.

Last month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi in Ankara