Netanyahu's Support Plunges in North Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a significant decline in voter support in northern Israel, particularly in Israel — Kiryat Shmona, due to his government's handling of the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. A poll by Agam Labs at Hebrew University of Jerusalem shows Israel — Likud's support dropping sharply in the north, where residents have endured heavy rocket and drone attacks from Hezbollah since October 2023. Voters are demanding a tougher military stance against Hezbollah, which began firing into Israel after the Hamas attack. Despite a recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, requiring Hezbollah to leave south Lebanon, many northern voters remain skeptical and want the group dismantled. Benjamin Netanyahu is caught between domestic electoral pressures to intensify the campaign and diplomatic efforts from allies like the United States, which, along with Iran, seeks a broader peace deal. Electoral rivals, such as Gadi Eisenkot, are capitalizing on Benjamin Netanyahu's vulnerability by advocating a more hawkish approach, further complicating the political landscape ahead of the general election due by October.