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Poll: Most Israelis Rate Netanyahu Poorly, Trump Credited for Hostage Return

Created at 4 Jul · 1:15 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

A Channel 12 poll reveals that 58% of Israelis view Prime Minister Netanyahu negatively, with Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also receiving poor ratings. Most respondents credit U.S. President Donald Trump over the Israeli government for the return of hostages from Gaza.

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Key Numbers

58%Israelis rating Netanyahu negatively
38%Israelis rating Netanyahu positively
61%Israelis rating Defense Minister Israel Katz negatively
63%Israelis rating National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir negatively
69%Israelis rating Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich negatively
58%Israelis crediting Trump for hostage return
28%Israelis crediting Netanyahu's government for hostage return
66%Respondents opposing proposed Basic Law
21%Respondents supporting proposed Basic Law

Who's Involved

Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister with negative public approval
Israel Katz
Israeli Defense Minister with negative public approval
Itamar Ben-Gvir
Israeli National Security Minister with negative public approval
Bezalel Smotrich
Israeli Finance Minister with negative public approval
Donald Trump
U.S. President credited by Israelis for hostage return

↳ Why This Matters

The poll results suggest a significant erosion of public support for Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government, potentially impacting future political stability and electoral outcomes, while also highlighting the perceived influence of external actors like U.S. President Donald Trump on key developments.

Key facts

  • 58% of Israelis hold a negative view of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
  • Defense Minister Israel Katz received a 61% negative rating.
  • National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich were viewed negatively by 63% and 69% of respondents, respectively.
  • 58% of respondents credit U.S. President Donald Trump for the return of hostages from Gaza, compared to 28% crediting Netanyahu's government.
  • 66% of respondents opposed a proposed Basic Law that would define Torah study as a foundational value of the state.

A poll released by Israel's Channel 12 indicates a significant decline in public confidence in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, with a majority of Israelis holding negative views of key cabinet ministers.

The survey found that 58 percent of respondents rated Netanyahu negatively, while 38 percent viewed him positively. Defense Minister Israel Katz received a 61 percent negative rating. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich fared worse, with negative ratings of 63 percent and 69 percent, respectively.

Furthermore, the poll revealed that most Israelis attribute the return of hostages from Gaza to U.S. President Donald Trump rather than Netanyahu's government. Fifty-eight percent stated Trump was primarily responsible, compared to 28 percent who credited the Israeli government.

Respondents also overwhelmingly opposed a proposed Basic Law that would define Torah study as a foundational value of the state, a measure seen as protecting ultra-Orthodox men from military conscription. Sixty-six percent opposed the law, with only 21 percent expressing support.

Frequently asked questions

According to a Channel 12 poll, 58 percent of respondents rated Prime Minister Netanyahu negatively.

Most Israelis credit U.S. President Donald Trump (58%) over Prime Minister Netanyahu's government (28%) for the return of hostages from Gaza.

The poll found that 66 percent of respondents opposed the proposed Basic Law that would define Torah study as a foundational value of the state, with only 21 percent supporting it.

What Happens Next

01Further polls may indicate continued shifts in public opinion.
02Upcoming elections will test the government's public standing.

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Cadence

How It Developed

A poll found 58% of Israelis rated Prime Minister Netanyahu negatively.
Defense Minister Israel Katz received a 61% negative rating.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich were viewed negatively by 63% and 69% of respondents, respectively.
Most Israelis credit U.S. President Donald Trump for the return of hostages from Gaza.
% of respondents opposed the coalition's proposed Basic Law defining Torah study as a foundational state value.

Sources

T1
Poll: Most Israelis rate Netanyahu poorly, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir highly unpopularMiddle East Eye

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