Netanyahu’s Popularity Surges After Hezbollah Strikes as Polls Show a Rebound
Benjamin Netanyahu, whose reputation took a serious hit following the devastating Hamas attacks on October 7, has seen a resurgence in his approval ratings, driven by Israel’s military successes against Hezbollah. A recent opinion poll highlights this recovery, showing that Netanyahu’s Likud party now leads with more projected seats than any other, though it falls short of guaranteeing his return to power.
A widely circulated image of the Israeli prime minister in New York captures the moment he gave the order for a significant operation: the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the long-time leader of Hezbollah. This strike has further bolstered Netanyahu’s image as a decisive military leader.
A poll conducted for Israel’s Channel 12, released on Sunday night, revealed that while Likud would come out on top in a general election, opposition parties are likely to secure more seats, positioning them to potentially form a coalition government.
In a political twist, Netanyahu’s former rival Gideon Saar rejoined the government on Sunday, a move that could fortify Netanyahu’s administration during a critical time. Saar, who previously left Likud and became one of Netanyahu’s strongest critics, now occupies a seat in the Security Cabinet, giving him a voice in decisions surrounding the war. His four-seat party provides the coalition with a stronger majority, now holding 68 of the 120 seats in Israel’s parliament.
Speculation had been rife that Saar might replace Yoav Gallant as defense minister, given Gallant’s recent popularity as a former military general. However, this possibility was shelved as Israel escalated its strikes on Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, tensions remain within Netanyahu’s coalition, particularly with Itamar Ben Gvir, the far-right National Security Minister, who has repeatedly threatened to pull his Jewish Power party out of the government. His six-seat faction could be replaced, leaving Netanyahu with more flexibility to negotiate without his influence.
Saar’s decision to return to the government has not been without controversy. He framed it as an act of national unity during a time of war, but critics argue it is a move driven by personal ambition. Columnist Sima Kadmon from Yedioth Ahronoth expressed strong opposition, describing Netanyahu’s government as the most corrupt and harmful in Israel’s history, now further entrenched by Saar’s return. Some fear this political stabilization will delay the next elections until 2026.
As Israel grapples with multiple crises, including war on several fronts, the government faces internal disputes over a new military conscription law. The Israeli Supreme Court recently ruled that ultra-Orthodox seminary students must be drafted into the military, which has been a point of contention for the ultra-Orthodox parties in the coalition. Defense Minister Gallant has already pushed for draft notices to be sent out, deepening his divide with Netanyahu.
On the international stage, Israel faces growing isolation. Global organizations are investigating potential charges of war crimes against Netanyahu and his defense minister, further complicating the prime minister’s political future.
Though Netanyahu’s support has rebounded in recent months, his leadership may face its toughest test yet. With Israel possibly preparing for a ground invasion of Lebanon and increasing tensions with Iran, the prime minister’s fate—and that of the nation—hangs in the balance.
