Two thirds of Israelis want Netanyahu to leave politics

A poll conducted by Israel’s Channel 12 shows that about two-thirds of Israelis believe that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not seek re-election and leave politics.

Only 27 percent of respondents to the poll wanted him to run in the next Israeli election, while 66 percent believed he should step down.

Even among voters of parties in Netanyahu’s right-wing religious bloc, only 53 percent believed he should run again.

About 85 percent of the respondents also wanted the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate the failures related to the infiltration of Hamas into the occupied territories on October 7.

Netanyahu is the target of severe criticism from members of the Israeli opposition, far-right members of his coalition, and Israeli public opinion for his handling of the war in Gaza and the prisoner exchange negotiations against the ceasefire.

While the heavy casualties of the Israeli army’s attacks in Gaza have drawn widespread international condemnation, Netanyahu is facing increasing pressure at home due to the failure to reach an agreement to release the remaining prisoners from Gaza.

Critics accuse him of blackmailing his extremist coalition partners, thereby thwarting negotiated solutions. Nevertheless, Netanyahu denied this issue and accused Hamas of obstructing indirect negotiations. Recently, protests against Netanyahu’s cabinet have intensified.

Translator: Azam Purkand