Reply #16: "Globes" poll: Liberman strengthening

[Scurrilous]

The Attorney General's decision to indict Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman seems to have boosted his popularity.

<snip>

"It seems that the recommendation to indict Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman has done him a favor, at least for now. His party, Israel Beiteinu, would win two more Knesset seats to 18, according to a poll by the Rafi Smith Research Institute for "Globes". It appears that Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein's decision to indict Liberman not only failed to weaken him, but actually strengthened him and helped to boost his popularity by 20% since the last elections.

Liberman's strengthening among his supporters is a ringing slap in the face for Israel's law enforcement establishment. As far as the public is concerned, Liberman is worthy of admiration.

The three additional Knesset seats that Israel Beiteinu has gained in polls since the 2009 elections are more than half way to the goal Liberman set - to win 20 seats in the next elections. According to the Rafi Smith survey, Liberman is serious. He is not merely mouthing slogans; as he puts it, he keeps his word.

It is possible to attribute Israel Beiteinu's rising support to the recommendation to indict, and it is possible the Liberman is winning support because of his actions in the government, but one thing is clear: Liberman is now the strongman of the coalition. The chances of establishing a government without him after the next elections verges on zero."

http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000642064&fid=1724