A new Channel 12 poll suggests that a growing majority of Israelis want Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to step aside before the next election — a sign of voter fatigue of his dominance in Israeli politics.

According to the survey, 52 percent of respondents said Netanyahu should not run again, compared to 41 percent who believe he should remain in the race. Another 7 percent were undecided.

When asked who should lead Netanyahu’s Likud Party if he bows out, nearly half of respondents — 48 percent — said they were unsure or didn’t support any of the listed contenders. Still, the early frontrunner among named candidates was former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, who garnered 10 percent support, narrowly edging out Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer (9%) and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz (8%).

Other potential successors trailed further behind: Justice Minister Yariv Levin (7%), Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana (6%), Economy Minister Nir Barkat (5%), Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar (3%), Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter (2%), Energy Minister Eli Cohen (1%), and Transportation Minister Miri Regev (1%).

The poll also measured attitudes toward leadership of the anti-Netanyahu bloc — the constellation of parties that have opposed him in recent years. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett led that field with 44 percent, well ahead of Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid (16%), Democrats chief Yair Golan (11%), Yashar! party leader Gadi Eisenkot (11%), and Yisrael Beytenu’s Avigdor Liberman (10%). Only 2 percent said National Unity chairman Benny Gantz should lead the opposition.

The results come as Netanyahu faces mounting criticism at home over his handling of the Gaza war’s aftermath and Israel’s strained relations with Washington. While the prime minister continues to command loyalty within Likud’s core base, the data suggest that even longtime supporters are increasingly open to new leadership — both within the right-wing camp and across the political spectrum.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)