WASHINGTON - Only three weeks after a Pew poll showed US President Barack Obama leading his rival by eight points, a new survey by the institute indicates that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has gained a slight national lead among likely voters. According to the poll, Romney is leading the president by four points – the first time Romney has led by that much. The poll has Romney at 49% and Obama at 45%, the Washington Post reported Monday. Related articles: Romney: US should be more assertive in Mideast Obama: Romney owes Americans the truth Obama-Romney debate draws 67.2 million TV viewers Among registered voters, Obama has lost the nine-point lead he held last month the race is now tied at 46%. The spike in the Republican challenger's popularity registered after his successful performance at the domestic policy debate held last week. The poll is the second survey on Monday to suggest a turnaround for Romney. A Gallup poll conducted in the three days after Wednesday’s debate showed Romney and Obama tied at 47% among registered voters. Current data about post-debate voting plans in swing states has yet to become available. The Pew poll shows Romney’s favorable rating among registered voters rising five points to 45%, while Obama’s favorable rating dropped seven points to 50%. While the two candidates are tied when it comes to the question of who is thought to be the stronger leader, Romney is now leading 49-41 on who can improve on the unemployment crisis. He is also leading 47-43 on the issue of taxes. Palestinians blast Romney The next debate, which is scheduled for October 11, will deal with foreign policy. Romney leveled harsh criticism at Obama's policies in a speech on Monday, asserting that Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon, and calling for tougher sanctions on the Islamic Republic and a more assertive approach in the Middle East. He further vowed to reaffirm the ties with Israel. Obama's campaign portrayed Romney's address, which was held at the Virginia Military Institute, as the latest in a series of failed attempts by the Republican to look like a statesman on foreign policy. Obama aides cast Romney as unfit to be commander-in-chief because of his gaffe-filled overseas trip in July and his much-criticized immediate reaction to the Libyan attack. "This is somebody who leads with chest-pounding rhetoric," Obama campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki said. "He has been clumsy in his handling of foreign policy." The Palestinians were unimpressed with the challenger's statements as well, blasting his pledge to support Israel. "President Obama failed due to his bias towards Israel," Palestinian Parliament Member Hanan Ashrawi said. "While Romney is blaming us for the discord between Israel and the US, he is planning to be even more biased towards Israel. He will transfer Israel more funds, give it more weapons and increase defense cooperation without realizing that this slant is exactly what has destroyed any chance for peace in the region." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Receive Ynetnews updates directly to your desktop