National Unity Party Reach New High In Latest Poll As Knesset Reconvenes

The opposition National Unity Party led by former Defense Minister Benny Gantz scored its highest-ever level of support in the latest opinion poll from Kantar, with a projected 30 seats in the Knesset if the poll was reflected in an election. The strong support for the NUP comes as the Knesset reconvened after a month-long recess on 30 April. Mass protests both in favour of and opposed to proposed reforms to the Supreme Court continue to take place, with the Knesset due to take up the legislation over the summer.

• Kantar Poll (seats)-National Unity: 30 (+9), Likud: 25 (=), Yesh Atid: 18 (-4), Shas: 10 (=), Religious Zionism-OY-Noam: 9 (-2), United Torah Judaism: 7 (=), Yisrael Beiteinu: 6 (+1), Hadash-Ta'al: 6 (+1), Ra'am: 5 (-1), Meretz: 4 (=), Labor: 0 (-4). Fieldwork: 30 Apr, chgs w/27 Mar.
• The gov't has the votes to pass the reform legislation within days. However, the Times of Israel reports that commentators believe it likely that the reforms will come after the passage of the state budget. There is a deadline of 29 May to pass the budget or the Knesset will be dissolved and fresh elections called.