Poll Shows Only Minority Supports Netanyahu Staying On

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu‏‏’s declaration that he intends to remain in office despite the corruption indictments against him has the support of only about 30 percent of the people, according to a poll published Thursday night.

The findings, broadcast on Channel 12, were compiled before the attorney general’s announcement that he is filing charges of bribery and breach of trust against the prime minister.

Forty-six percent of respondents said that, if indicted, they think he should resign; and 17 percent said he should take a leave of absence.

Meanwhile, a Knesset poll found that if elections were held now, it would not affect the current impasse.

It said that Likud and Blue and White would be tied with 33 seats each; Joint Arab List would again have 13; Yisrael Beyteinu 8 and Shas 8. Yamina would receive 7, if the New Right, Jewish Home and National Union stay together; United Torah Judaism would also receive 7 seats. Democratic Camp would have 5; and Labor-Gesher 5.

Based on that, the right-wing bloc would receive 55 seats, the left-wing 41, again leaving both short of the 61 seats needed to form a majority in the Knesset.