Jan 25, 2009

Israelis prefer Benjamin Netanyahu to be the next Prime Minister of Israel over any other candidate, with the Likud chairman being picked by 29 percent of those surveyed.

Sixteen percent of those polled said they preferred Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni of the Kadima party, and only 9 percent saying they would support Defense Minister and Labor party chair Ehud Barak.

Netanyahu is also the preferred choice among those polled to serve as Finance Minister and as Foreign Minister as well.

Barak was picked as the best candidate to serve as Defense Minister, followed by former IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Ya’alon (Likud) and Shaul Mofaz of Kadima.

The poll also states that the gap between the Likud and Kadima stands at 8 mandates, with the Likud expected to bring in 30 and Kadima 22. According o the poll, Labor can expect to win 17 mandates, Yisrael Beitenu 16, Shas 10, Meretz 5, United Torah Judaism 5, Hadash 4, National Union 3, The Jewish Home 3, United Arab List 3, and Balad 2 seats.