A recent poll indicates a significant shift in Israeli public opinion, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu garnering 42% support as the preferred leader, surpassing former Defense Minister Benny Gantz at 40%. This marks the first time since the onset of the Gaza war on October 7 that Netanyahu has outperformed Gantz. The Likud party is projected to win 22 seats in the Knesset, compared to Gantz's National Unity party, which is expected to secure 20 seats, reflecting a resurgence in Likud's popularity. However, neither Netanyahu's coalition nor the opposition would attain the 61 seats necessary to form a government. Amid rising tensions with Iran and Hezbollah, 48% of Israelis favor negotiating a deal for the release of captives in Gaza over pre-emptive strikes. This polling data comes despite ongoing calls for Netanyahu's resignation amid criticism of his handling of the crisis, with 72% of respondents previously indicating he should step down.