BICOM

Two separate polls published in Haaretz and Ma’ariv this morning show, that if elections were held today, Likud would remain the single largest party, but offer differing outcomes for Kadima, depending on who heads the party. Both polls examine Kadima’s support under Tzipi Livni’s leadership and compare it to support for the party under Shaul Mofaz. Unlike Haaretz, Ma’ariv’s poll finds that under Livni Kadima would receive more seats, 16, as compared to 14 under Mofaz. The Haaretz poll shows that for the first time Kadima, under Mofaz’s leadership, would receives more support than under Livni.

‎The two polls, which will be released in full today, do not show much real change since the last round of polling held in January: Likud maintains a clear advantage, Labour and Kadima are competing for leading the opposition, and newcomer Yair Lapid maintains an unclear potential. Moreover, in personal suitability to be Prime Minister, Netanyahu is still ahead. Measured against Livni, his advantage increases significantly—62% ‎to Livni’‎s 25%. Overall, the polls are a clear vote of confidence for Netanyahu. However, for other parties the polls reflect the public’s desire to see new names, such as the former chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi, in leadership positions.