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

Key Points:

• A recent poll by Agam Labs reveals that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is losing significant support in the northern region, where Hezbollah rocket attacks have been most intense, putting pressure on him to adopt a more hawkish stance ahead of the upcoming elections.
• Northern voters, particularly in cities like Kiryat Shmona, prioritize ending the Hezbollah threat and favor a continued military campaign, expressing skepticism about ceasefire agreements influenced by U.S. pressure.
• The poll shows Likud's support in the north has dropped from 35% in 2022 to 23%, with about 70% of northern voters disapproving of Netanyahu's handling of the Lebanon war, marking a sharper decline compared to other regions.
• Netanyahu faces a political dilemma as Iran demands an end to Israel's military actions as part of peace negotiations, while his electoral rivals capitalize on northern discontent by promoting a tougher security approach.
• Despite a new ceasefire agreement requiring Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon, Netanyahu indicated military operations would continue, while his opponents accuse him of compromising national security and seek to gain votes in the north.