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Netanyahu Seen as Best Possible PM in Israel
- Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu is the preferred choice of Israelis to head the national government, according to a poll by the Dahaf Institute published in Yediot Ahronot. 29 per cent of respondents would like Netanyahu to take over as prime minister.
Current prime minister and Kadima leader Ehud Olmert is second with 18 per cent, followed by Israel Our Home leader Avigdor Lieberman with seven per cent, and Labour party leader Amir Peretz also with seven per cent.
In March, Israeli voters renewed the Knesset. Kadima, founded by former prime minister Ariel Sharon and led by Olmert, secured 29 seats. Labour, the Retired People's Party (Gil) and the International Organization of Torah-observant Sephardic Jews (Shas) joined Kadima in a coalition. 39 per cent of respondents believe the current government should exclude Labour and add both Israel Our Home and Likud.
Yesterday, Netanyahu accused Olmert of trying to discuss political amendments to distract the country from current problems, adding, "The magic solution was found: changing the system of government. There is no alternative for a clear path and a good leadership. If there is no path and no leadership, no change in the system will help." 45 per cent of respondents are in favour of holding an early election.
Netanyahu served as prime minister from June 1996 to July 1999, and resigned from Sharon's cabinet—where he held the finance portfolio—after opposing the "Disengagement Plan."
Polling Data
Who do you prefer to be prime minister?
Benjamin Netanyahu | 29% |
Ehud Olmert | 18% |
Avigdor Lieberman | 7% |
Amir Peretz | 7% |
None of them | 28% |
What coalition do you prefer?
Exclude Labour, add Israel | 39% |
Current coalition is fine | 30% |
Add Israel Our Home | 19% |
In light of the current political situation, what do you support?
Early elections | 45% |
Change in coalition | 29% |
Continue as now | 22% |
Source: Dahaf Institute / Yediot Ahronot
Methodology: Interviews with 500 Israeli adults, conducted on Oct. 11, 2006. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.