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Most Israelis have negative view of both Netanyahu, Gantz

The Israel Democracy Institute's data also showed some support among Palestinian citizens of Israel for political cooperation with the prime minister ahead of possible elections.

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This picture taken on Feb. 17, 2020, shows an election banner for the Israeli Blue and White political alliance (Kahol Lavan) with the face of (L to R) its leader retired army Gen. Benny Gantz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hanging in Ramat Gan. — JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Most Israelis have a negative view of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition partner turned potential election rival Defense Minister Benny Gantz. A poll also revealed some Arab support for working with Netanyahu.

The Israeli Democracy Institute poll published on Monday showed that 62% of Israeli respondents think Netanyahu has “very low credibility” or “moderately low credibility.” Gantz’s figures are not much better, with 60% of Israelis feeling the same about him.

Last week, Gantz, who is due to become prime minister in 2021 as per a deal with Netanyahu, said his Blue and White party is leaving the coalition and called for new elections. His beef with Netanyahu is over a budget for next year. The issue is important, given the state of the Israeli economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The process for holding a new election can take several weeks. It would be Israel’s fourth election in two years. The findings from The Israel Democracy Institute indicate both Netanyahu and Gantz face significant opposition ahead of this. The two politicians agreed to form a government together in April after Netanyahu narrowly defeated Gantz in the March election.

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