Public Attitudes Toward the Peace Process


Territorial Issues

Which statement comes closer to your own personal view: “A peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians would reduce terrorism around the world.” or “A peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians would not have much of an impact on terrorism around the world.” (The Israel Project National Survey, December 10-12, 2007)

Much closer/Reduce terrorism
23%
Somewhat closer/Reduce terrorism
20%
Somewhat closer/Not much of an impact
23%
Much closer/Not much of an impact
32%
Don't know/Refused
4%

Who do you think is more responsible for the improvement/worsening of the prospect for peace: the Israelis or the Palestinians? (ADL, October, 2007)

 
Responsible for improving
Responsible for worsening
Israelis
41%
23%
Palestinians
15%
47%

In the Middle East conflict, do you think the United States should take Israel's side, take the Palestinian's side, or not take either side?

Date
Poll
Israel's side
Palestinian's side
Not take either
No Opinion
           
December 2007 Israel Project
61%
10%
14%
6%
December 2006 PIPA
21%
1%
73%
5%
August 2005 Israel Project
29%
6%
52%
 
March 2005 ADL 13% 1% 78%  
January 2005 Israel Project
20%
1%
70%
 
December 2004 PIPA
19%
1%
77%
3%
November 2004 Israel Project
25%
2%
67%
 
July 2004 Israel Project
22%
1%
72%
 
March 23, 2004 Israel Project
31%
0%
64%
 
November 2003 Israel Project
31%
3%
62%
 
June 2003* Gallup 18% 4% 74% 4%
July 2002 Israel Project
23%
2%
68%
May 8, 2002 PIPA 22% 3% 67% 8%
April 29- May 1, 2002 Gallup 24% 2% 68% 6%
April 5-7, 2002 Gallup 22% 2% 71% 5%
November 1-4, 2001 PIPA 20% .6% 70% 9%
Sept. 2001 Gallup 27% 1% 63% 9%
July 2000 Gallup 16% 1% 74% 9%
Jan 2000 Gallup 15% 1% 72% 12%
Dec 1998 Gallup 17% 2% 73% 7%
May 1998 Gallup 15% 2% 74% 9%

*Asked of a half sample.

Do you believe that the bigger cause of violence in the Middle East is the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians or the conflict between moderates and extremists across a number of countries and groups? (POS, January 2007)

Between Israel and Palestinians 18%
Between moderates and extremists 71%

In general, do you consider yourself to be more pro-Israel or more pro-Palestinian? (POS National Survey, January 2007)

Date
Poll
Pro-Israel
Pro-Palestinian
Neither
Don't Know
December 2007 The Israel Project
62%
9%
15%
4%
January 2007 POS National Survey
50%
7%
November 2006 POS National Survey
54%
6%
September 2006 POS National Survey
53%
5%
August 2006 POS National Survey
56%
7%
July 2006 POS National Survey
45%
6%
May 2006 POS National Survey
52%
6%
January 2006 POS National Survey
45%
7%
August 2005 POS National Survey
38%
8%
February 2005 POS National Survey
40%
10%
November 2004 POS National Survey
49%
10%
September 2004 POS National Survey
48%
6%
July 2004 POS National Survey
47%
9%
March 2004 POS National Survey
52%
8%
January 2004 POS National Survey
52%
10%
November 2003 POS National Survey
47%
11%
August 2003 POS National Survey
42%
6%
July 2003 POS National Survey
48%
10%

 

 

NAT

(RV)

7/03

NAT

(RV)

8/03

NAT

(RV)

11/03

NAT

(RV)

1/04

NAT

(LV)

3/17

NAT

(LV)

3/23

NAT

(LV)

7/04

NAT

(LV)

9/04

NAT

(V)

11/04

Pro-Israel 48% 42% 47% 52% 52% 48% 47% 48% 49%
Pro-Palestinian 10% 6% 11% 10% 8% 8% 9% 6% 10%
 

NAT

(LV)

2/05

NAT

(LV)

8/05

NAT

(LV)

1/06

NAT

(RV)

5/06

NAT

(RV)

7/06

NAT

(LV)

8/06

NAT

(LV)

9/06

NAT

(V)

11/06

NAT

(RV)

1/07

Pro-Israel 40% 38% 45% 52% 45% 56%

53%

54% 50%
Pro-Palestinian 10% 8% 7% 6% 6% 7% 5% 6% 7%

Below are a number of actions or policies undertaken by the U.S. government since September 11, 2001. Please rate the impact of these actions or policies on protecting the American people from global terrorist networks and in advancing U.S. national security goals. (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress , May 23-June 26, 2007)

U.S. efforts in Middle East peace process

Negative 69
Positive 6
No Impact 24

In order to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, do you think the United States should -- [ROTATED: put more pressure on the Palestinians to make the necessary compromises (or) put more pressure on the Israelis to make the necessary compromises]? (Gallup, February 1-4, 2007)

More pressure on the Palestinians
39%
More pressure on the Israelis
30%
More pressure on both (vol.)
11%
Not put more pressure on either (vol.)
10%
No opinion
10%

Do you think George W. Bush is -- or is not -- doing enough to find a peaceful solution to the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians? (Gallup)

D
 
6/02
2/07
Yes, is
61%
44%
No, is not
28%
51%
No opinion
11%
5%

How committed do you think the US is to the goal of creating an independent and viable Palestinian state? (World Public Opinion.org, December 11, 2006)

Very committed
12%
Somewhat committed
43%
Not very commited
28%
Not at all committed
9%
Refused/Don't know
9%

What role do you think the U.S. should play in developing a peace agreement? (Gallup, August 18-20, 2006)

U.S. should take leading role
14%
The United Nations (UN) should take the leading role, but U.S. still involved
56%
U.S. should not get involved at all
29%
No opinion
2%

Do you think the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in the Middle East marks the beginning of a long-lasting peace between Israel and Hezbollah, or will only be temporary and fighting will soon break out again between Israel and Hezbollah?(Gallup, August 18-20, 2006)

Beginning of long-lasting peace
6%
Only temporary
91%
No opinion
3%

Do you think that the US should or should not invest more political effort and resources than it did in the past four years, toward resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict (Gallup, August 18-20, 2006)

U.S. should take leading role
14%
The United Nations (UN) should take the leading role, but U.S. still involved
56%
U.S. should not get involved at all
29%
No opinion
2%

What grade would you give the U.S. when it comes to achieving the following goals? Doing our best to bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians. (Public Agenda)

D
 
6/05
1/06
9/06
A
16%
15%
13%
B
29%
29%
25%
C
30%
24%
34%
D
11%
12%
10%
F
7%
9%
12%
DK
7%
10%
6%

What grade would you give the U.S. when it comes to achieving the following goals? Doing our best to bring peace between Israel and the Arab world. (Public Agenda)

D
 
9/06
A
12%
B
26%
C
23%
D
17%
F
16%
DK
6%

Here are some criticisms of U.S. foreign policies that have been made in recent years. For each, please tell me if you find the criticism to be totally justified, partly justified or not justified at all. U.S. policies are too pro-Israel for the U.S. to be able to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians. (Public Agenda)

D
 
6/05
1/06
9/06
totally justified
21%
14%
23%
partly justified
41%
48%
47%
not justified at all
30%
25%
22%
DK
8%
12%
7%

Here are some criticisms of U.S. foreign policies that have been made in recent years. For each, please tell me if you find the criticism to be totally justified, partly justified or not justified at all. U.S. policies are too pro-Israel for the U.S. to be able to broker peace between Israel and the Arab world. (Public Agenda)

D
 
9/06
totally justified
18%
partly justified
47%
not justified at all
26%
DK
8%

Now, just suppose for a moment that the Palestinians who are holding the Israeli soldier do not release him... Which one of the following actions do you believe Israel should take? (The Israel Project, July 6-9, 2006)

Increase the pressure on the Palestinians through military action

52%

Give into the Palestinian demands by releasing more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners

17%

No opinion
31%

In the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has what you have seen, read or heard about this conflict recently given you a more favorable or less favorable impression of the Palestinians? (The Israel Project, July 6-9, 2006)

More Favorable

9%

Less Favorable

59%

No opinion
32%

Regardless of which side you generally support in this conflict…Who do you blame more for the current conflict in the Gaza Strip…Israel…OR…The Palestinians ? (The Israel Project, July 6-9, 2006)

Israel

15%

Palestinians

45%

Both
13%
No opinion
27%

Thinking about the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Middle East, please tell me, in general, whether you consider yourself to be…a strong supporter of Israel, a supporter of Israel, a supporter of the Palestinians or a strong supporter of the Palestinians? (The Israel Project, July 6-9, 2006)

Strong Supporter of Israel

22%

Supporter of Israel

23%

Strong Supporter of the Palestinians
1%
Supporter of the Palestinians
5%
Neither
40%
No opinion
9%

What do you think U.S. policy toward the Palestinian Authority should be? Do you think the U.S. should – conduct diplomatic relations with the Hamas government regardless of whether or not it recognizes Israel as a country, conduct diplomatic relations with Hamas only if it recognizes Israel as a country, or not conduct diplomatic relations with the Hamas government at all? (Gallup, February 6-9, 2006)

Regardless of whether or not it recognizes Israel

22%

Only if it recognizes Israel

44%

No relations at all

25%

No opinion
9%

What do you think U.S. policy toward the Palestinian Authority should be? Do you think the U.S. should – give financial aid to the Palestinian Authority regardless of whether or not the Hamas government recognizes Israel as a country, give financial aid to the Palestinian Authority only if Hamas recognizes Israel as a country, or not give any financial aid to the Palestinian Authority while the Hamas government is in power? (Gallup, February 6-9, 2006)

Regardless of whether or not it recognizes Israel

5%

Only if it recognizes Israel

30%

No relations at all

57%

No opinion
9%

As you may know, Israel has been removing Jewish settlers from land mainly in the Gaza Strip and a few in the West Bank to give the land to the Palestinians. Was this the right or wrong thing to do? (Harris, September 23, 2005)

Right thing to do

 

41%

Wrong thing to do

 

24%

Not sure

 

36%

Do you think that the departure of a large number of settlers from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank will increase or decrease the chances of long-term peace? (Harris, September 23, 2005)

Increase chances

36%

Decrease chances

24%

Not sure

40%

Do you think that Israel should give up more land in the West Bank to Palestinians in exchange for lasting peace? (Harris, September 23, 2005)

Yes

28%

No

36%

Not sure

35%

How would you rate the job each of the following people is doing to work for a reasonable solution to the future relations between Israel and the Palestinians? (Harris, September 23, 2005)

 

Excellent

Pretty Good

Only Fair

Poor

Positive – NET (Excellent/Pretty Good)

Negative – NET (Only Fair/Poor)

 

Mar

Sept

Mar

Sept

Mar

Sept

Mar

Sept

Mar

Sept

Mar

Sept

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas

3

*

29

20

53

57

15

22

32

21

68

79

George W. Bush

10

5

26

25

36

35

27

35

37

30

63

70

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon

4

4

32

31

48

49

16

16

36

35

64

65

Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.

* Less than 0.5%.

How willing do you think the Israelis/Palestinians are to compromise in order to secure a lasting peace in the region? (Harris, September 23, 2005)

 

Israelis

Palestinians

 

Mar

Sept

Mar

Sept

Very willing

5%

6%

3%

2%

Somewhat willing

40%

42%

36%

30%

Somewhat unwilling

28%

28%

30%

35%

Very unwilling

14%

13%

16%

22%

Not sure

13%

9%

15%

11%

Do you think the prospects for peace have improved, worsened or stayed the same? (ADL, October, 2007)

 
2005
2007
Improved
39%
9%
Worsened
9%
20%
Stayed about the same
45%
59%

In your opinion, does the Bush administration tilt toward Israel, the Palestinians, or is it generally balanced? (ADL, March 18-25, 2005)

Israel
39%
Palestinians
3%
Balanced
41%

Who do you currently think is doing more to bring peace to the region: Israel or the Palestinians? (ADL, March 18-25, 2005)

Israel
48%
Palestinians
11%
Don't know
41%

In your opinion, how serious are the leaders of Israel about wanting to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians -- very serious, somewhat serious, not very serious, or not at all serious? (ADL, October, 2007)

 
2003
2005
2007
Very serious
25%
30%
22%
Somewhat serious
70%
74%
65%

Do you believe the leaders of the moderate Arab countries like Jordan and Egypt are doing enough to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – or should they be doing more? (ADL, October, 2007)

 
2003
2005
2007
Doing enough
10%
12%
10%
Should be doing more
77%
74%
76%

In your opinion, how serious is new Palestinian leader Mahmaud Abbas about wanting to reach a peace agreement with the Israelis -- very serious, somewhat serious, not very serious, or not at all serious. (ADL)

 
2003
2005
Serious
46%
64%
Not serious
43%
17%

Which statement is closest to your own view …? (ADL, March 18-25, 2005)

As a world leader trying to bring peace to the Middle East, it is important for the U.S. to work with Arab nations like Egypt and Jordan, even if it means weakening our strong relationship with Israel.
40%
Israel is America's most loyal ally in the Middle East. The U.S. has a moral and strategic obligation to keep our relationship with Israel strong, even if this means weakening our relationship with the Arab world.
36%
Peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians will never take place without the continuing leadership and involvement of the U.S. government. 31%
It is up to the Palestinians and the Israelis to solve their own problems; any lasting peace agreement between them must be reached with minimal involvement from the U.S.. 59%

Do you believe that a two-state solution where both Israel and the Palestinians have their own separate land and governments will bring peace to the region or will there always be conflict? (The Israel Project, July 17-19, 2004)

Will bring peace
26%
There will always be conflict
72%

And, do you believe that the Palestinians’ ultimate goal is to live in peace side by side with Israel, or do you believe their ultimate goal is the elimination of Israel? (The Israel Project, July 17-19, 2004)

Live in peace
29%
Elimination of Israel
64%

Next, please tell me if you agree or disagree with each of the following statements... (The Israel Project, July 17-19, 2004)

Agree

Disagree

DK/Refuse

The Palestinians have been indoctrinated by a generation of anti-Israel and anti-American propaganda; they are teaching their children to hate Americans and Jews and to become terrorists.

72%

20%

8%

There cannot be peace in the Middle East until the Palestinians stop teaching their children to become terrorists and to hate Israel and America.
81%
14%
5%
Shares US principles of freedom and equality
25%
36%
7%
Israel cannot be expected to negotiate with the Palestinians when the Palestinian leadership has said the ultimate goal is to eliminate Israel.
64%
29%
6%

In the Middle East conflict, do you think the United States should take Israel's side, take the Palestinian's side, or not take either side?

    Israel's side Palestinian's side Not take either No Opinion
           
December 2006 PIPA
21%
1%
73%
5%
August 2005 Israel Project
29%
6%
52%
 
March 2005 ADL 13% 1% 78%  
January 2005 Israel Project
20%
1%
70%
 
December 2004 PIPA
19%
1%
77%
3%
November 2004 Israel Project
25%
2%
67%
 
July 2004 Israel Project
22%
1%
72%
 
March 23, 2004 Israel Project
31%
0%
64%
 
November 2003 Israel Project
31%
3%
62%
 
June 2003* Gallup 18% 4% 74% 4%
July 2002 Israel Project
23%
2%
68%
May 8, 2002 PIPA 22% 3% 67% 8%
April 29- May 1, 2002 Gallup 24% 2% 68% 6%
April 5-7, 2002 Gallup 22% 2% 71% 5%
November 1-4, 2001 PIPA 20% .6% 70% 9%
Sept. 2001 Gallup 27% 1% 63% 9%
July 2000 Gallup 16% 1% 74% 9%
Jan 2000 Gallup 15% 1% 72% 12%
Dec 1998 Gallup 17% 2% 73% 7%
May 1998 Gallup 15% 2% 74% 9%

*Asked of a half sample.

Which comes closer to your view about the situation in the Middle East between the Israelis and the Palestinian Arabs — the United States should take an active role in attempting to find a diplomatic solution to the violence in the Middle East, (or) the United States whould encourage the two sides to find a solution on their own, but should not take an active role? (Gallup)

Gallup Active role Not an active role No Opinion
Aug. 2001 32% 65% 3%

 

As far as you are concerned, how important a goal should the development of a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli situation in the Middle East be to the United States? Should it be a very important foreign policy goal of the United States, a somewhat important goal, not too important, or not an important goal at all?

Gallup Very important Somewhat important Not too important Not at all important No Opinion
June 2003* 50% 37% 7% 4% 2%
April 29- May 1, 2002 44% 42% 9% 4% 1%
April 5-7, 2002 58% 32% 5% 4% 1%
Mar 2002 58% 30% 5% 6% 1%
Feb 2002 54% 30% 7% 6% 3%
Feb 2001 43% 40% 10% 5% 2%
July 2000 34% 43% 14% 6% 3%
Jan 2000 32% 46% 12% 6% 4%
July 1999 41% 41% 9% 6% 3%
Sep 1993 41% 36% 11% 8% 4%
Mar 1991 46% 41% 6% 5% 2%

Do you think there will or will not come a time when Israel and the Arab nations will be able to settle their differences and live in peace?

Gallup Yes, there will be a time No, there will not No Opinion
Feb. 2007 34% 63% 3%
Feb. 2006 32% 65% 2%
Feb. 2005 49% 48% 3%
Nov 2004 37% 60% 3%
June 2003* 38% 60% 2%
May 2003 51% 46% 3%
Apr 2002 36% 61% 3%
Feb 2002 37% 59% 4%
Aug. 2001 32% 64% 4%
Feb 2001 41% 56% 3%
Jan 2000 49% 45% 6%
July 1999 49% 47% 4%
Dec 1998 40% 56% 4%
Aug. 1997 36% 56% 8%

*Asked of a half sample.

In 1974, the Palestine Liberation Organization adopted what was called a "phased plan" for the destruction of the State of Israel. According to this plan, the Palestinians would seek in phase I to obtain whatever land they could from Israel via negotiations, intimidation or coercion. In phase ii, that land would be used to finish the job against Israel. It's now been almost 30 years. Do you think the current objective of the Palestinian leadership with Israel or is it still to destroy Israel? (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

Destroy Israel 49%
Make peace with Israel 28%
Don't know 23%

The role of the United States.
A year ago, President Bush said, and I quote, "The United States will not support the establishment of a Palestinian state until its leaders engage in a sustained fight against terrorists and dismantle their infrastructure."
First, do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with this policy?
(Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

Agree 73%
Disagree 18%
Don't know/Refused 9%

Palestinian maps, school books, popular culture and leaders reflect a continued desire to destroy the state of Israel. Israel insists this must stop before there can be any hope for a true peace between Israel and the Arabs. Is that a fair or unfair demand? (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

Fair 73%
Unfair 16%
Don't know/Refused 11%

Now let's talk about the demands being made by both sides and whether or not they are fair or unfair...? (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

  Fair Unfair
Stop desire destroy Israel 73% 16%
Remain de-militarized 35% 47%
Israel admit refugees 25% 45%

Who do you think is more likely to guarantee free access to the important holy land religious sites--Israel or the Palestinians? (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

Israel 61%
Palestinians 6%
Both/Neither 19%
Don't know/Refused 14%

Who do you think is more likely to safeguard the important holy land religious sites--Israel or the Palestinians? (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

Israel 55%
Palestinians 6%
Both/Neither 24%
Don't know/Refused 16%

Last June, President Bush called for a new Palestinian leadership "Untainted by terror." The new Palestinian prime minister has been Yasser Arafat's deputy for most of the past forty years. Do you think he can be considered a "new leader" for the Palestinians, or is he not really represent new leadership? (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

New leader 21%
Not new leadership 61%
Don't know/Refused 18%

Who do you think is mainly to blame for the violence, the Israelis or the Palestinians? (Harris)

Nov

2000

July

2001

March

2002

April

2002

May

2002

June

2002

July

2002

Aug

2002

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

Israelis

13

14

10

11

13

10

9

12

Palestinians

34

26

32

36

34

39

42

43

Neither/Both

26

26

44

39

40

28

30

30

Not sure/Refused

27

34

12

14

13

22

19

15

Who do you think is more to blame for the current problems, the Israeli government or the Palestinian authorities? (Harris)

1997

1998

April

August

May

%

%

%

Israeli Government

28

20

25

Palestinian authorities

31

37

28

Both equally/No difference (vol.)

22

31

26

Don’t know/Refused

19

11

21

How would you rate the job Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon/Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority is doing to work for a reasonable solution to the future relations between Israel and the Palestinians – excellent, pretty good, only fair or poor? (Harris)

Positive

Negative

Not Sure/ Refused

Prime Minister Sharon

August 2002

%

27

60

12

July 2002

%

26

59

14

June 2002

%

26

58

16

May 2002

%

25

63

12

April 2002

%

23

66

10

March 2002

%

24

62

13

July 2001

%

22

55

23

Chairman Arafat

August 2002

%

7

83

10

July 2002

%

7

82

12

June 2002

%

7

79

13

May 2002

%

9

82

8

April 2002

%

6

85

9

March 2002

%

10

80

10

July 2001

%

12

69

19

May 1998

%

22

66

12

August 1997

%

20

76

4

A recent proposal is that all the Arab states would recognize, and make peace with, Israel in return for an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza with its capital in East Jerusalem. Do you favor this or not? (Harris)

 

April

2002

May

2002

June

2002

July

2002

 

%

%

%

%

Favor

51

54

50

54

Do not favor

22

23

27

22

Not sure/Refused

26

23

23

24

Do you feel that, over the last few years, the (Israelis/Palestinians) have been too willing to compromise, too unwilling to compromise or about right? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

 
Israel
Palestinians
Too willing - strongly 10% 3%
Too willing - somewhat 7% 3%
About right 28% 11%
Too unwilling - somewhat 23% 29%
Too unwilling - strongly 19% 41%
Don't know 15% 14%

Who do you think is more to blame for the failure to reach peace in the Middle East: the Israelis, the Palestinians, or both sides about equally? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

The Israelis 7%
The Palestinians 29%
Both sides about equally 58%
Don't know 5%

Do you think that the events of September 11th have made resolving the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians more important or less important for the US? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

More important 73%
Less important 12%
Made no difference (Vol.) 10%
Don't know 4%

Overall, do you think that President Bush did the right thing or made a mistake recently by getting involved in trying to reduce the level of conflict between Israel and the Palestinians? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Did the right thing 70%
Made a mistake 23%
Don't know 7%

Thinking back, do you think that President Clinton did the right thing or made a mistake by getting as involved as he did in trying to make peace between Israel and the Palestinians? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Did the right thing 59%
Made a mistake 30%
Don't know 11%

In April, President Bush demanded that Israel withdraw its troops from the Palestinian towns it recently took over. Do you approve or disapprove of President Bush taking this action? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Approve 63%
Disapprove 26%
Don't know 10%

If Israel does not fully withdraw its troops, do you favor or oppose telling Israel not to use US-provided battlefield weapons in these operations? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Favor 52%
Oppose 35%
Don't know 12%

In April, Secretary of State Colin Powell met with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Do you approve or disapprove of Secretary Powell meeting with Yasser Arafat? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Approve 78%
Disapprove 15%
Don't know 7%

Do you think that the recent Israeli military intervention in the West Bank has increased or decreased the likelihood of further suicide bombings against Israeli civilians? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Increased 62%
Decreased 15%
Made no difference (Vol.) 5%
Don't know 17%

Do you think that Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories since 1967 has increased or decreased the security of Israel? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Increased 43%
Decreased 34%
Made no difference (Vol.) 4%
Don't know 18%

Overall, do you favor or oppose the US putting more pressure on Israel to make compromises with the Palestinians? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Favor 56%
Oppose 35%
Don't know 9%

[IF "DK" OR "OPPOSE" ABOVE] I'd like you to imagine that the Palestinians stopped engaging in all forms of terrorism, including suicide bombing, and instead used nonviolent forms of protest such as demonstrations, strikes, and boycotts. Would you then favor or oppose putting more pressure on Israel to make compromises with the Palestinians? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Favor 64%
Oppose 26%
Don't know 9%

Two questions above combined (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Favor 56%
Favor if non-violent 28%
Oppose 12%
Don't know 3%

If Israel and the Palestinian Authority were to come to a peace agreement, would you support or oppose the US participating, together with a number of other countries, in a UN-sponsored peacekeeping force to monitor and enforce the agreement? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Support 77%
Oppose 16%
Don't know 7%

Who do you think should take the lead in trying to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians: the US, the United Nations, a group of leading nations including the US, or no outside country or group should take the lead? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

The US 13%
The United Nations 41%
A group of leading nations including the US 27%
No outside country or group 15%
Don't know 4%

I would like to know your impression, even if you are not very sure about it. Is it your impression that, so far this year, more Israelis or more Palestinians have died in the conflict, or is the number roughly equal? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Israelis 15%
Palestinians 32%
Roughly equal 35%
Don't know 18%

As you may know, the US has called for the Israelis and the Palestinians to declare a ceasefire and return to the negotiating table. Here are some things that the US could say it will do, if they continue to refuse. For each one, please tell me if you think this would be a good idea or not a good idea. The US could: [For the following, half of the sample heard the text in parentheses; the other half did not. There was no statistical difference between responses with different wordings; thus, combined results are reported below. (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

 
Good idea
Not a good idea
Don't know
Say it will withhold some of the (three billion dollars a year in) aid that the US gives to Israel. 61% 35% 4%
Say it will withhold spare parts for some of the advanced weapons the US has given Israel. 64% 29% 5%
Say it will withhold some of the (80 million dollars a year in) aid that the US gives to the Palestinians. 63% 31% 5%
Say it will no longer deal with Yasser Arafat. 50% 41% 8%

Do you think that Israel's struggle with the Palestinians is best described as a part of the war on terrorism, like the US struggle with Al Q'aeda; as a conflict between two national groups fighting over the same piece of land; OR would you describe it some other way? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Part of war on terrorism 17%
Conflict over land 46%
Other 29%
Don't know 7%

A highly controversial issue is that Israel has built villages for Israelis, called settlements, in the West Bank and Gaza, which are territories where Palestinians live that have been occupied by Israel since the 1967 war? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

All right to build 35%
Should not build 52%
Don't know 12%

Here are some statements in support of the Palestinian position. Please tell me if you find them convincing or unconvincing

UN resolutions 242 and 338, which were endorsed by nearly all members of the UN, including the US, called for Israel to withdraw from territories it invaded in the 1967 war. Thus, for Israel to build new settlements in these areas is illegal under international law. Do you find this statement convincing or unconvincing? Would that be very or somewhat (un)convincing? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Very convincing 27%
Somewhat convincing 30%
Somewhat unconvincing 18%
Very unconvincing 15%
Don't know 11%

During the peace process, Israeli settlement activity doubled. As Israel was negotiating about land with the Palestinians, they continued to illegally confiscate land. Clearly the Israelis are negotiating in bad faith and undermining the peace process. Do you find this statement convincing or unconvincing? Would that be very or somewhat (un)convincing? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Very convincing 26%
Somewhat convincing 26%
Somewhat unconvincing 23%
Very unconvincing 17%
Don't know 9%

Here are some statements in support of the Israeli position. Please tell me if you find them convincing or unconvincing.

Israel has a right to build settlements in the West Bank and Gaza because Jews have lived in these areas for centuries and have legitimate historical claims to property there. Do you find this statement convincing or unconvincing? Would that be very or somewhat (un)convincing? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Very convincing 27%
Somewhat convincing 27%
Somewhat unconvincing 20%
Very unconvincing 16%
Don't know 9%

Just as Arabs live in Israel, Jews should be able to live in the areas that could come under Palestinian control in the future. Thus, Israel has a right to build housing for Jews who want to live in those areas. Do you find this statement convincing or unconvincing? Would that be very or somewhat (un)convincing? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Very convincing 24%