Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition has weakened by two seats, standing at just 50, according to a Ma'ariv survey conducted between Wednesday and Thursday that examined public opinion on various pressing issues.
The survey also examined public opinion on the fragile ceasefire agreement with Hamas, which still controls parts of Gaza, and the restrictions the US has imposed on military operations in the Strip.
The political storm that erupted with the start of the Knesset's winter session also drew attention from voters.
Despite the coalition's weakening, the opposition’s change bloc still does not have a majority of 61 seats this week, as the Arab parties gained one seat. Without the Arab parties, the bloc stands at only 59 seats.
The weakening of the coalition bloc is primarily due to the Religious Zionism party falling short of the electoral threshold.
This week, the change bloc saw a notable decline in the Reservists' party led by Yoaz Hendel, which dropped below the electoral threshold. However, Yesh Atid, led by Yair Lapid, and the Yashar party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, have significantly strengthened. Also this week, Blue and White, led by Benny Gantz, failed to pass the electoral threshold, further eroding the change bloc's vote share.
For the first time, the survey explored a scenario where the four Arab parties (Hadash, Ta'al, Ra'am, and Balad) merged into a single list. This resulted in an increase of one seat, bringing the total to 12 seats - one more than in the separate contest, where Balad failed to cross the electoral threshold.
Majority of Israeli public supports a state commission of inquiry into Oct. 7
The Ma'ariv survey also revealed that the majority of the Israeli public (64%) supports the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 events, to be appointed by Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit. In contrast, 22% oppose this, and an additional 14% have no opinion on the matter.
In terms of political camps, an overwhelming majority (88%) of opposition voters support such a commission.
Among those intending to vote for one of the current coalition parties in the next election, a significant portion (33%) also supports a state commission of inquiry. In comparison, 48% oppose it, and 19% have no opinion.
Among those planning to vote for Likud in the next elections, there are more supporters (43%) than opponents (39%).
The strongest opposition to a state commission of inquiry is found among voters of Religious Zionism (81% oppose, 19% support) and Otzma Yehudit (68% oppose, 27% support).
The Ma'ariv survey further reveals that most Israelis (58%) are concerned that the entry of an international force into the Gaza Strip would prevent Israel from acting against Hamas, if and when necessary. In contrast, just 26% are not concerned, and 16% are unsure.
The survey included 500 respondents, representing a sample of the adult population in Israel aged 18 and older. The maximum sampling error in the survey is 4.4%.