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Israelis support Netanyahu, but also two-state solution

A new poll confirms that while Israelis support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government, they also support the two-state solution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a basket of fruit he received from local children, a custom associated with the upcoming Jewish holiday of Shavuot during a special cabinet meeting held in the Western Wall tunnels in Jerusalem's Old City May 28, 2017. REUTERS/Gali Tibbon/Pool - RTX37YH8
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President Donald Trump's visit to Israel May 22-23 had a dramatic impact not only on the political arena, which was jolted awake after a long period of lethargy, but on Israeli public opinion. The Likud, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would win around 30 seats if an election were held today, according to a poll released May 26 by Channel 2. It is the continuation of a trend that shows a significant rise in support for Netanyahu compared with previous polls.

The most recent poll has given Netanyahu a few more reasons to revel in the euphoria that has taken hold of him ever since Trump landed in Israel. The strengthening of the Likud came at the expense of Yair Lapid, whose Yesh Atid party continues to grow weaker: The poll indicated it would win just 22 seats, compared with the 24 and 26 seats predicted in previous polls. And yet Lapid is still considered the greatest threat facing Netanyahu in the next election.

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