Two separate polls may indicate that the Israeli public is leaning increasingly to the right of the political spectrum. Poll #1: Israelis Largely Against Unilateral Withdrawal A Geocartography telephone poll broadcast on Israeli Television's Channel 1 yesterday showed the following results: 62% Israeli Jews oppose additional unilateral withdrawals. 21% were in favor. Results to the following additional questions appeared to confirm the trend: Was the 2005 disengagement from the Gaza Strip the right thing to do? Yes 25% No 54% Since the disengagement, has your support for the settlers changed? Increased 39% Reduced 14% No change 32% Would there be a civil war if another unilateral withdrawal was carried out? Yes 50% Maybe 18% No 21% Would you support another unilateral withdrawal? Yes 21% No 62% Did the disengagement strengthen or weaken Israel's deterrence? Weakened 55% No impact 28% Strengthened 8% The poll was broadcast during a program marking five years from the Israeli evacuation of the Gaza Strip. Poll #2: Israeli Daily 'Yisrael Hayom' Surpasses Yediot In a TGI survey published this morning, the Israeli Daily "Yisrael Hayom" (Israel Today) readership slightly surpassed that of the long-time leader Yediot Aharonot on weekdays, with both reaching approximately 35% of the Israeli public. Yisrael Hayom was established by Sheldon Edelson, who is associated with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. The paper was established with the self-proclaimed mission of providing a "balanced" voice, an alternative to the mainstream media. Though not stated openly, this is likely a reference to the left-leaning dailies Yediot, Ma'ariv and Ha'aretz. The paper's principles, which appear on each edition's page two are to: Tell the truth straight and simple. To support the rule of law. To be fair and balanced. To check the facts and if found to be in error, to correct them. To remember that we are Israelis. The poll indicated that the 'Ma'ariv' daily continues to decline at 12.5%, after falling from 13.6% during the previous six months, and 14.4% from a year ago. Ha'aretz also continued to decline, with 6.4% of readership, down 7.5% from a year ago. Arutz Sheva's weekly B'Sheva newspaper reached 5.9% of the public, leading competitor Makor Rishon at 2.8%.
