Even though 75% of Israelis support the social protests currently sweeping the country, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still enjoys majority support, according to a poll by "Maagar Mochot" for "Channel 10." Despite calls for Netanyahu's resignation by protestors, the survey found that 51% of respondents think that he is still the best person to be prime minister. Netanyahu's support is particularly strong among the orthodox and Haredim (ultra orthodox).
Leader of the Opposition Tzipi Livni commanded only 29% support while the leader of Israel Beitenu and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman received 17% support. Only 3% supported Livni's challenger in Kadima, Shaul Mofaz MK as suitable for prime minister.
Prof. Yitzhak Katz who conducted the poll pointed out that Netanyahu won majority support, in part, due to a lack of an attractive enough alternative.
The survey, which was carried out on Sunday, just after Saturday night's mass protests, found that more than 33% of voters were "sitting on the fence." 37% said the protests would cause them to change their vote in the next Knesset elections, and 48% thought the protests would not influence their vote. 11% did not know.
Among voters aged 18-30, 45% thought the protests would influence their vote, while 39% said the protest would not influence them.
The poll also found that 75% of Israelis supported the protests, 14% opposed them and 11% had yet to form an opinion on the matter.
Published by Globes, Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 1, 2011
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