Support for Israel's gov't falls after DM's dismissal

Support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition has weakened significantly after the controversial dismissal of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, according to a new poll published today.

The Maariv newspaper, citing a poll conducted by the Lazar Institute, reported that the Netanyahu-led coalition is projected to hold only 49 seats in the Knesset, while opposition parties are expected to have 61 seats.

Fifty-seven per cent of respondents disagreed with Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Gallant, with only 29 per cent supporting it.

The survey indicates that if elections were held today, Netanyahu’s Likud Party would secure  only 24 seats in the 120-seat Knesset.

The opposition National Unity Party, led by Benny Gantz, is expected to win 19 seats, while Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid would secure 15 seats.

Meanwhile, Religious Zionism, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has fallen below the 3.25% electoral threshold for the second consecutive week, effectively eliminating it from the Knesset.

The poll’s findings reflect growing discontent with Netanyahu’s policies.

Read: Gallant goes; Ben-Gvir cheers; Gantz criticises; Golan protests