American Public Opinion Polls:
Views on Territorial Issues

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As you may know, a key dispute between Israel and the Palestinians is about certain areas of East Jerusalem, which Israel has occupied since the 1967 war. Past negotiations over a peace agreement have broken down because both sides want to control these areas. Just based on what you know, are you more inclined to believe that Israel should have control, the Palestinians should have control, or that both sides should allow the UN to have control unless they later come to some other compromise? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Do you favor or oppose the United States pressuring Israel to give back lands it seized in the 1967 war, in exchange for Arab countries' fully normalizing relations with Israel? (Wall Street Journal/NBC News, April 5-7, 2002)

As you may know, Israel took control of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip after the Six Day War in 1967. 
To your knowledge, has Israel given much of that land back to the Palestinian control since the peace process began in 1993, or have the West Bank and Gaza remained almost completely under Israeli control? (Penn, Schoen & Berland Inc., and First International Resources Inc., January 25 and February 17, 2001)

If you had to estimate, what percentage of the West Bank and Gaza Strip would you say is now back under the control of the Palestinian Authority? (Penn, Schoen & Berland Inc., and First International Resources Inc., January 25 and February 17, 2001)

Israel should agree to divide Jerusalem with the Palestinians.
Do you strongly agree with this statement, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with this statement? (Penn, Schoen & Berland Inc., and First International Resources Inc., January 25 and February 17, 2001)

Israel has proved its commitment to peace by making concession after concession to the Palestinians in return for promises.
Do you strongly agree with this statement, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with this statement? (Penn, Schoen & Berland Inc., and First International Resources Inc., January 25 and February 17, 2001)

As part of a peace agreement between Syria and Israel...There is a plan to place American troops between Israel and Syria on the Golan Heights. Do you favor or oppose this plan to put American soldiers on the Golan Heights? (Middle East Quarterly, 1/13/2000)

In return for Syria signing a peace treaty with Israel, should the U.S. Congress authorize a multi-billion-dollar package to strengthen Syria's economy? (Middle East Quarterly, 1/13/2000)

At present, there are about 35,000 Syrian troops occupying Lebanon. Should Syria be required to evacuate all those forces from Lebanon before the U.S. Congress authorizes any financial aid for Syria? (Middle East Quarterly, 1/13/2000)

According to the U.S. State Department, Syria continues to provide sanctuary and support for a number of terrorist groups. Should Syria be required to expel all terrorist organizations from Syria and Syrian-controlled Lebanon before the U.S. Congress authorizes any financial aid for Syria? (Middle East Quarterly, 1/13/2000)

Should Syria be required to end its anti-American, anti-Israel, and anti-Semitic incitement in the state-controlled media and school textbooks before the U.S. Congress authorizes any financial aid to Syria? (Middle East Quarterly, 1/13/2000)

It has been reported that Syria has been working on weapons of mass destruction ... In return for Syrian [cooperation], should the U.S. Congress authorize a multi-billion-dollar package to strengthen Syria’s military? (Middle East Quarterly, 1/13/2000)

 Israel should withdraw all its forces from Arab territory before the other issues can be settled.

Israel should give back the territory it gained from the war of 1967.

As a result of the 1967 War, Israel now controls land that was formerly controlled by Arab nations. What do you think Israel should do — give back part of this land, give back all of this land, or keep all of this land?

The Israelis ought to give up all the territory they have captured since 1967 if the Arab states agree to peace.

As a way to bring peace to the Middle East, it has been proposed that Israel withdraw from occupied Arab lands if Arab nations in return recognize Israel's right to exist as a nation. Do you favor or oppose this proposal?

How likely do you think it is that both sides will agree to this proposal?

If Israel did give up occupied Arab lands, how likely is it that the action would bring lasting peace to the Middle East?

The Bush Administration supports a policy whereby Israel should give up territory it occupies in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in exchange for peace with the Arabs. Are you in favor of or opposed to this concept of land for peace? (American Voters and Mideast Peace, Sept. 11, 1991)

Thinking specifically about the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians living on the West Bank and Gaza Strip--are your sympathies more with the Israelis or more with the Palestinians? (M&K, 2/91)

Would you be more inclined or less inclined to vote for a presidential candidate who supports a policy of "land for peace," or will it make no difference? (American Voters and Mideast Peace, Sept. 11, 1991)