BREAKING: Israeli Channel 12 Poll Shows 56% of Israelis Do Not Want Netanyahu to Continue as Prime Minister Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict

Majority prefer “someone else” as next leader, though Netanyahu still leads most head-to-head matchups; poll adds domestic pressure as Trump’s 8 p.m. ET deadline on Iran approaches and Pakistan pushes for permanent peace

By Reflecto News Staff
April 7, 2026

A new poll aired on Israel’s Channel 12 reveals that 56% of Israelis believe Benjamin Netanyahu should not serve as the country’s next Prime Minister, with only 36% saying he should continue and 8% undecided.

The survey, conducted amid the escalating U.S.-Iran military standoff, highlights significant public dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s leadership even as Israel remains deeply involved in the regional crisis. When asked directly whether Netanyahu or “someone else” should be the next prime minister, a clear majority favored change.

Poll Details and Nuances

While 56% preferred someone else for the premiership, Netanyahu still outperformed major rivals in head-to-head hypothetical matchups:

• Against Naftali Bennett: Netanyahu 41%, Bennett 34%
• Against Gadi Eisenkot: Netanyahu 42%, Eisenkot 36%
• Against Yair Lapid: Netanyahu 42%, Lapid 27%

This suggests a divided electorate where Netanyahu retains strength among his core base but faces broad fatigue after years in power and the ongoing multi-front challenges, including the current Iran operation.

The poll adds to a series of recent surveys showing Netanyahu’s coalition would likely lose its majority if elections were held today, with opposition parties gaining ground.

Context: War with Iran and Domestic Politics

The poll lands as President Donald Trump’s 8 p.m. ET deadline for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz draws near. Trump has stated that any deal with Iran would make Israel “more secure,” while linking the conflict’s resolution to long-term stability for the Jewish state.

Iran has rejected any temporary ceasefire, with its UN Ambassador declaring it “categorically” unacceptable and demanding a permanent agreement with sanctions relief and guarantees. Iranian state media also denied reports of transferring enriched uranium abroad, contradicting Trump’s earlier claims.

Pakistan has intensified mediation efforts, vowing to “go to all lengths” to help secure a lasting US-Iran peace deal through the “Islamabad Process.”

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry issued an overnight stay-home advisory (12 a.m. to 6 a.m. local time) as a precautionary measure due to fears of Iranian retaliation against Gulf civilian infrastructure.

Netanyahu’s Role in the Conflict

Netanyahu’s February briefing in the White House Situation Room — presenting a “near-certain victory” plan with a video of potential post-regime leaders like Reza Pahlavi — played a key role in shaping the U.S. decision to launch strikes under Operation Epic Fury. Trump reportedly responded, “Sounds good to me.”

Despite military actions against Iranian targets, public support for Netanyahu appears strained, with critics arguing the campaign has not delivered a decisive outcome and has exposed Israel to prolonged regional risks.

Broader Developments

• U.S. Diplomacy: Indirect talks show modest progress, but gaps remain wide. A senior U.S. official called Iran’s latest proposal “better than expected.”
• U.S. Internal Views: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s optimistic assessments of Iranian capabilities face pushback from intelligence reports showing significant residual missile and drone capacity. Sen. Ron Johnson hopes threats against civilian infrastructure are only “bluster.”
• Military Signals: CENTCOM released images of Marines training aboard USS Tripoli in the Arabian Sea. Israeli Channel 13 continues its live countdown to the deadline.
• White House Position: The administration has categorically denied considering nuclear weapons against Iran.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has labeled Iranian strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as “terrorist activity.”

Parallel Global Stories

In Ukraine, British-made Malloy T-150 drones helped destroy a Russian-controlled bridge near Kherson. The UK’s HMS Dragon remains ready for operations near Cyprus after a minor maintenance stop.

Implications for Israeli Politics

With legislative elections currently slated for late October 2026, the Channel 12 poll signals growing political vulnerability for Netanyahu and his coalition. Analysts suggest the Iran conflict, initially expected to boost his standing, has instead highlighted the costs and uncertainties of prolonged military engagement.

Reflecto News will continue monitoring both the fast-moving U.S.-Iran situation and shifting Israeli domestic politics.

FAQs on the Channel 12 Poll and US-Iran Crisis

Q: What does the Channel 12 poll say about Netanyahu?
A: 56% of Israelis said someone else should be the next prime minister, while 36% said Netanyahu should continue and 8% were unsure. He still leads most head-to-head matchups against individual rivals.

Q: How does this poll relate to the Iran conflict?
A: It comes amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran standoff and Trump’s 8 p.m. deadline on the Strait of Hormuz, where Netanyahu’s government has played a visible role.

Q: What is Iran’s position on a ceasefire?
A: Iran has categorically rejected any temporary ceasefire, demanding a permanent deal with sanctions relief and guarantees.

Q: What role is Pakistan playing?
A: Pakistan says it is “willing to go to all lengths” to help secure a permanent US-Iran peace agreement.

Q: Has Iran denied transferring enriched uranium?
A: Yes. Iranian state media and officials stated it “is not going to be transferred anywhere” and “was never an option,” contradicting Trump’s claims.

Q: What precautionary steps has Kuwait taken?
A: Residents were advised to stay home overnight due to fears of Iranian retaliation against Gulf infrastructure.

Q: How can I stay updated?
A: Follow Reflecto News for accurate, timely coverage of the US-Iran crisis, Israeli politics, diplomatic mediation efforts, and related global developments.

This article is based on verified reporting from The Times of Israel, Channel 12, Al Jazeera, Reuters, and other credible sources as of April 7, 2026. All poll figures and quotes are accurately attributed.