A new poll shows the governing coalition, led by Likud, gaining strength after Arab party leaders announced a joint run in upcoming elections and following the return of a hostage's remains from Gaza. The reformed Arab Joint List is projected to win 13 seats, up from the combined 10 seats of its components when running separately, while other opposition parties lose ground. Likud rises to 27 seats, while parties like Yesh Atid and those led by Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot see declines. A potential merger of opposition parties under Bennett's leadership would yield fewer seats than their separate totals, slightly benefiting the coalition. The poll also reveals that nearly half of Israelis want elections held as scheduled, while a significant portion prefer an earlier date. On the issue of the Gaza hostage, most respondents believe Israel should have acted sooner, though opinions are divided on the success and consequences of the operation.