An internal Likud poll conducted in early January shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to command overwhelming support within the party, maintaining a wide lead over all other potential leadership candidates.
The survey, conducted by Dr. Nimrod Nir of the Agam Institute and distributed to all active Likud members, was held ahead of a party conference, the date of which has not yet been set. It forms part of preparations for the Likud primaries and early organizing for the elections to the 26th Knesset.
When asked who is best suited to lead Likud in the next national election, 80.4% of respondents chose Netanyahu. Other senior party figures received significantly lower levels of support.
The findings reflect the prime minister’s continued dominance in the party and the absence of any significant internal challenge. No other candidate emerges as a viable alternative as long as Netanyahu remains in contention.
Katz leads in post-Netanyahu scenario
The poll also examined a scenario in which Netanyahu does not run. In that case, Defense Minister Israel Katz leads the field, though without a decisive advantage.
Support in this case was more evenly distributed among a number of senior Likud figures, including Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Economy and Industry Minister and former Jerusalem mayor, Nir Barkat.
The results indicate that the race to succeed Netanyahu remains open, with no single candidate consolidating majority support. While Katz holds a narrow lead, the close margins suggest a contested succession process should Netanyahu step aside.
Compared with similar surveys conducted by the Agam Institute over the past year, the current poll shows steady – and even growing – backing for Netanyahu. While previous polls also placed him well ahead of rivals, the latest data point to further consolidation around his leadership.
In the event that Netanyahu does not stand, Katz’s consistent performance strengthens his position. His lead over other candidates offers him a stronger launch point in a potential leadership race, although no figure commands dominant support.
Party backs pardon for Netanyahu
The survey also explored Likud members’ views on the legal proceedings involving Netanyahu. Seventy-five percent of respondents said efforts should be made to obtain a pardon for the prime minister as soon as possible. Twenty-five percent said the matter should be left to the courts.
Among those in favor, the vast majority, or 77.8 percent, support a full and immediate pardon without conditions. Another 9.3 percent favor a pardon that would allow Netanyahu to run for office again and leave the decision to voters.
A total of 7.6 percent oppose any move to advance a pardon. In addition, 5.4 percent said they would support one only if Netanyahu agreed to retire from political life.
Netanyahu remains Likud's anchor
The overall findings paint a picture of a party still centered around Netanyahu. With no agreed-upon successor in sight, his grip on the Likud base remains firm. While Katz leads among potential successors, the competition remains fluid, and the leadership question in a post-Netanyahu era remains unresolved.
The poll was conducted among verified active Likud members between January 1 and 3, 2026. The sample comprised 1,223 respondents. Data were cleaned by verifying responses against the voter registry, removing duplicates, and filtering bots.
The sample’s socio-demographic composition corresponds to the party’s overall membership. The margin of error is ±3.8% at a 99% confidence level.