(INN).Even though 75% of Israelis support the social protests currently sweeping the country, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still enjoys majority support, according to a poll by "Maagar Mochot" for "Channel 10." Despite calls for Netanyahu's resignation by protestors, the survey found that 51% of respondents think that he is still the best person to be prime minister. Even secular Israelis think that Prime Minister Netanyahu is the most qualified politician to lead the country.
The “Maagar Mohot" poll, supervised by Prof. Yitzchak Katz, was reported by Channel 10 television as revealing that 51% of the respondents said Prime Minister Netanyahu is the “most appropriate” person to serve as leader of the country.
Leader of the Opposition Tzipi Livni commanded only 29% support while the leader of Israel Beitenu and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman received 17% support. Only 3% supported Livni's challenger in Kadima, Shaul Mofaz MK as suitable for prime minister.
Prof. Yitzhak Katz who conducted the poll pointed out that Netanyahu won majority support, in part, due to a lack of an attractive enough alternative.
Prof. Yitzhak Katz who conducted the poll pointed out that Netanyahu won majority support, in part, due to a lack of an attractive enough alternative.
Significantly, 32 percent of secular Israelis between the ages of 18 and 30 chose Prime Minister Netanyahu, followed by 24 percent for Lieberman and 23 percent for Livni. The figures disprove a claim by left-wing politician and media personality Yair Lapid, who said on Sunday that the protest movement is comprised mainly of secularists who represent what he said is the largest minority in the country.
Support for Netanyahu jumped to 53 percent among new immigrants, compared with only 2 percent for Livni and 1 percent for Lieberman.
More than 33% of voters were "sitting on the fence." Nearly half – 48 percent – said the social protests would not change their decision on whom to vote for in the next Knesset elections in 2013. Those who said the protests would affect their decision numbered 37 percent, with 11 percent saying they were not sure. However, their choice for Prime Minister reflects the current strength in the Knesset of the Likud party, headed by Netanyahu, while showing lesser support for Livni's Kadima party.