A new Maariv poll shows most Israelis prefer a unity government if the October 27 election ends in a deadlock, while seat projections show coalition and opposition blocs tied.

A majority of Israelis would prefer a unity government over another election if the October 27 vote ends without a clear winner, according to a Maariv poll conducted by Lazar Research in cooperation with Panel4ALL. The survey found that only 27% of respondents would prefer another election, while 18% were unsure. The poll was conducted on October 14 and 15 among 700 respondents aged 18 and over.

Block Divides on Unity and Voter Optimism

Significant differences emerged between opposition and coalition voters regarding a potential unity government. While opposition voters favored a unity government only if led by someone from their bloc at 54%, coalition voters were more divided, with nearly 40% preferring a unity government led by Benjamin Netanyahu and 32% favoring another election. Overall, 79% of Israelis expressed optimism that their chosen bloc would win the election, compared to 21% who were pessimistic. Broken down by bloc, 90% of coalition voters expected a win, alongside 75% of opposition voters.

Head-to-Head Comparisons and Seat Projections

In hypothetical matchups, Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 48% to 41%. Netanyahu tied with B'Yachad leader Naftali Bennett at 43% each, while leading Avigdor Liberman 43% to 37%. In projected parliamentary seats, both the coalition and opposition blocs stood tied at 51 seats each. Likud fell by two seats to 18, while United Torah Judaism gained one seat to reach eight, and People of Israel crossed the threshold with four seats. Yashar polled highest at 21 seats, with B'Yachad at 13.