Netanyahu faces plunging support in north Israel as voters demand tougher Lebanon stance

Key Points:

• A recent poll by Agam Labs shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu losing significant support in the northern region heavily affected by Hezbollah rocket attacks, with Likud's backing dropping from 35% to 23%.
• Northern voters, particularly in cities like Kiryat Shmona, demand a more aggressive military approach against Hezbollah, criticizing Netanyahu for appearing to yield to U.S. pressure for a ceasefire.
• The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 50 Israeli civilian deaths in the north and more than 7,500 casualties in Lebanon since October 2023, fueling calls among northern Israelis for intensified military action.
• Netanyahu faces political challenges as rivals adopt a hawkish stance, accusing him of compromising national security, while the upcoming general election could threaten his long-standing leadership.
• Despite a new ceasefire agreement requiring Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon, Netanyahu indicated military operations would continue, reflecting the complex balance between domestic electoral demands and international diplomatic pressures.