From the Liveblog of
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Poll shows widespread dissatisfaction with PM and ministers
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A new Channel 12 poll shows widespread public dissatisfaction with the prime minister and government ministers, as the country heads for elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gets a poor rating from 58% of respondents, with 38% rating him positively. Defense Minister Israel Katz is rated poorly by 61%, positively by 30%.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir gets a 63% to 32% ratio, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is highly unpopular with 69% to 25%.
Other ministers fare little better, with Justice Minister Yariv Levin at 60% to 27%, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar at 54% to 29%, and Education Minister Yoav Kisch at 69% to 19%.
After Smotrich caused a stir this week by taking credit for the return of Gaza hostages, 58% of respondents say it is US President Donald Trump who is primarily responsible for their return, with only 28% crediting the government.
The survey also checked support for the coalition’s effort to approve a Basic Law to define Torah study as a foundational value of the State of Israel, which is mainly intended to shield Haredi draft evaders from sanctions and prosecution.
A total of 66% oppose advancing the law, while only 21% support it.
The Times of Israel Community.