Poll: Kahlon-Labor union likely to get 32 seats

Survey commissioned by Labor says nearing elections could see it win 23 mandates; become Knesset's second-largest party. Should Likud minister cross the lines, party will surpass Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu bloc

Tzvika Brot|Published: 10.31.12 , 22:04

A recent poll commissioned by the Labor Party aimed to see what will happen should soon-to-be Likud Minister Moshe Kahlon choose to joint forces with it. the data suggested a surge in support, which could translate into 32 Knesset mandates.

Kahlon, one of the Likud's most popular ministers, announced last months that he intends to leave politics.

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The announcement's proximity to the elections sparked a frenzy of rumors suggesting that he may join a different party, or even form a new one under his leadership.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented Wednesday on the rumors, saying he was sure the minister "would stay in the Likud."

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Labor's polls predict the party can win 23 House seats on its own – making it the second-biggest party in the Knesset – and go us to as many as 32 if Kahlon joins its ranks.

That scenario would place Labor on a par with the bloc created by the Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu merger.

Nevertheless, political analysts said that the chances of Kahlon joining Labor are slim.

The poll also found that the Right will be able to create a 65-seat bloc, while the Left would have 55 mandates.

The Likud is likely to win 37 seats, Labor 23, and Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid Party will have 15 mandates.

The data suggested Shas would win 13 seats, the joint Habayit Hayehudi-National Union ticket seven and United Torah Judaism six mandates.

Meretz would win four seats, while Kadima barely crosses the electoral threshold with two shifts.