Devastating poll results: Netanyahu’s approval falls to a staggering 30% as trust in the Government plummets

Public Trust in Netanyahu Hits New Low as Discontent Grows Across Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approval rating has plummeted to a staggering 30%, with a new Channel 12 poll revealing widespread public dissatisfaction over his leadership. A shocking 70% of Israelis now say they no longer trust Netanyahu, a significant decline from previous surveys.

A major point of contention is Netanyahu’s handling of the remaining hostages in Gaza following the October 7th attacks. While a majority of Israelis—69%—support a deal that would trade all hostages for peace, Netanyahu’s government continues to prioritize Hamas' elimination above all else. Netanyahu has refused to acknowledge his failures in dealing with the hostages on October 7th, which has deepened the rift between him and the Israeli public. Even within his own coalition, 54% of supporters are dissatisfied with his war leadership.

Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul legislation, which has deeply divided the country, also remains a contentious issue. With 50% of Israelis opposing the reforms, and just 34% supporting them, the country remains split. Additionally, the passing of a controversial NIS 755 billion budget last week has further eroded trust in his leadership. Critics argue that the budget does little to alleviate Israel’s economic struggles, with the country’s poverty rate of 28.6% far outpacing other developed nations. A majority of Israelis—54%—believe the budget will negatively impact their personal finances.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a key figure in the government, faces significant discontent, with 68% of respondents rating his performance as “poor.” The controversial cuts to public sector workers' salaries, amounting to NIS 3 billion, have further fueled public anger, with many believing the funding decisions were driven by political motivations rather than the country’s economic needs.

Despite his waning popularity, Netanyahu remains competitive in hypothetical elections. In matchups against various opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz, and Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu consistently maintains a slight advantage. However, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, rumored to be planning a political comeback, outperformed Netanyahu by a 38% to 31% margin in a potential contest.

As Netanyahu faces growing pressure from both his coalition and the Israeli public, his political future remains uncertain, with many questioning whether he can recover from the current political crisis.