Benny Gantz leads in preference for Israeli PM, Netanyahu not far behind: Survey

Israel war cabinet minister Benny Gantz is leading in the preference for prime minister, whilecurrent PM Benjamin Netanyahu has significantlyclosed the gap, i24 news reported on Friday (Apr 19) citing a survey. The survey showed that 42 per cent of respondents considered Gantzasthe preferred candidate for prime minister, while 37 per cent favoured Netanyahu.

Twenty-one per cent of the respondents remained undecided about their choice of PM.When it comes toparty representation in theKnesset, Gantz's National Unity partyis projectedto win 31 seats, followed by Netanyahu's Likud party at 21 seats, the survey also showed.

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The survey came as thousands of Israelis have protested in recent weeksdemandingnew elections in Israel. Several citizens have expressed anger over the Netanyahu government's handling of the war in the Gaza Strip.

Gantz calls for earlypolls

Earlier in April, Gantz called for elections in September this year.In a televised briefing onApril 3, Gantz said,"In order to maintain unity and toovercome the challenges facing us, the public must know that soon we will once again ask for their trust.That we will not ignore the massacre ofOctober 7and that which preceded it.Therefore, we must agree on a date for elections in September, towards a year to the warifyou will."

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"I believe that the Israeli society needs to renew its contract with its leadership. And I think the only way to do it and still maintaining the national effort in fighting Hamas and terrorist groups and other security challenges is by having an agreed election date, that we have to discuss when and if.And I hope that my political partners and friends and maybe some rivalsas well,will agree to it because I think it serves all the country andallits sectors at the same time," he added.

Netanyahu has ruled outearly elections in Israel, saying that to go to the polls in the middle of a war would only reward Hamas.