American Attitudes Toward the Peace Process

Note: We are presenting raw data. We provide some or all of the crosstabs (i.e., breakdowns by various categories such as party ID) when available. To analyze the data, we encourage users to read the entire study and the methodology used. Sample size, question wording, and question order can affect results and reliability. Context and timing may also influence responses, for example, if the survey is conducted during a war.

In order to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, do you think the United States should put more pressure on the Palestinians to make necessary compromises, or put more pressure on the Israelis to make the necessary compromises? (Gallup, February 2015, February1-20, 2024)

	2007	2008	2015	2018	2021	2024
More pressure on the Palestinians	39%	38%	48%	50%	44%	39%
More pressure on the Israelis	30%	25%	25%	27%	34%	36%
More on both	11%	15%	10%
Not more on either	10%	10%	8%
No opinion	10%	11%	10%

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, February 2015, CNN, Dec. 14-17, 2017, February1-20, 2024)

	Yes, there will be a time	No, there will not	No Opinion
Feb. 2024	42%	53%
Feb. 2023	50%	50%
Dec. 2017**	39%	56%	6%
Feb. 2014	33%	64%	3%
March 2013**	32%	66%	2%
Feb. 2012	38%	60%	2%
Feb. 2011	38%	60%	2%
Feb. 2010	30%	67%	3%
Feb. 2009	32%	66%	2%
2008	39%	59%	2%
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%

**CNN poll

Who would you say you generally support more in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? (JCPA, February 2024)

Israel	35%
The Palestinians	28%
Both equally	24%
Neither	25%

President Biden has indicated that his administration may decide to recognize a Palestinian state, although Israel opposes this at this time. Do you support the USA recognizing a Palestinian state--even if Israel opposes this? (JCPA, February 2024)

Yes	43%
No	28%
DK/Unsure	29%

Surveys among Palestinian civilians show that over 75% of the population supports the attack of October 7th against Israel. Considering this finding, would you tend to support the Biden administration proposal for the creation of a Palestinian state at this time? (JCPA, February 2024)

Yes	39%
No	29%
DK/Unsure	32%

Would you tend to support the creation of a Palestinian state that would have the right to enter into a treaty or military alliance with Iran? (JCPA, February 2024)

Yes	28%
No	40%
DK/Unsure	32%

Would you tend to support the creation of a Palestinian state that financially supports and funds Hamas members who participated in the October 7th attack against Israel? (JCPA, February 2024)

Yes	21%
No	55%
DK/Unsure	24%

Would you tend to support the creation of a Palestinian state whose educational system teaches that Jews have no rights or history in the region? (JCPA, February 2024)

Yes	20%
No	60%
DK/Unsure	20%

Would you tend to support the creation of a Palestinian state where Jews are banned by law to live, own property or have residence? (JCPA, February 2024)

Yes	19%
No	58%
DK/Unsure	23%

One proposal that has been raised is for Israel and Palestine to merge into a single country, with equal rights and full citizenship for Jews and Arabs. Do you think this is a realistic solution? (JCPA, February 2024)

Yes	28%
No	42%
DK/Unsure	30%

In the Middle East conflict, do you think the United States should take Israel’s side, take the Palestinians’ side, or not take either side? (Chicago Council on Global Affairs-Ipsos, February 16–18, 2024)

	2002	2004	2010	2012	2014	2016	2018	2021	2023	2024
Israel’s side	25%	17%	28%	30%	30%	33%	31%	32%	27%	31%
Palestinians’ side	1%	3%	3%	3%	3%	4%	4%	8%	7%	11%
Not take either side	71%	74%	66%	65%	64%	59%	62%	58%	64%	56%

Do you think Israel has a right to exist as the homeland of the Jewish people or that Israel has no right to exist? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, December 13-14, 2023)

Right to exist	86%
No right to exist	14%

Do you think that the long-term answer to the Israel-Palestinian dispute is for Arab states to absorb the Palestinians, for there to be two states, Israel and Palestine, or for Israel to be ended and given
to Hamas and the Palestinians? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, December 13-14, 2023)

Arab states to absorb the Palestinians	21%
For Israel to be ended and given to Hamas and the Palestinians	19%
For there to be two states, Israel and Palestine	60%

Should Hamas be allowed to continue to run Gaza or does Hamas need to be removed from running Gaza? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, December 13-14, 2023)

Allowed to continue to run Gaza	19%
Removed from running Gaza	81%

If Hamas is removed, should Gaza be administered by Israel, by the Palestinian Authority or by some new authority set up through negotiations with Arab nations? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, December 13-14, 2023)

Administered by Israel	34%
Administered by the Palestinian Authority	27%
Administered by some new authority set up with Arab nations	38%

Do you think that the land on Israel is historically the homeland of the Jewish people or the homeland of the Palestinian people? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Homeland of the Jewish people	76%
Homeland of the Palestinian people	24%

Do you think that the long-term answer to the Israel-Palestinian dispute is for...? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Arab states to absorb the Palestinians	23%
There to be two states: Israel and Palestine	63%
Israel to be ended and given to Hamas and the Palestinians	15%

Do you think the United States does or does not have a responsibility to ensure peace in the Middle East? (ABC News/IPSOS, October 13-14, 2023)

Does	46%
Does not	50%

Who do you trust more to broker peace in the Middle East, Donald Trump or Joe Biden? (Reuters/IPSOS, October 12-13, 2023)

Donald Trump	32%
Joe Biden	26%

As you may know, there is currently a debate about whether US government leaders should be ready to meet and talk with leaders of countries and groups with whom the US has unfriendly or hostile relations. Do you think US leaders should or should not be ready to meet and talk with leaders of: Hamas (% should be) (Chicago Council Surveys, September 7-18, 2023)

	2010	2012	2014	2023
Should be	48%	53%	50%	59%

If a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians were not possible, meaning the West Bank and Gaza had to be under Israeli control indefinitely, which of the following would be closer to your view? (University of Maryland, June 21-27, 2023)

	Republican	Democrat	Total
I would favor Israel’s democracy over its Jewishness: I would support a single democratic state in which Jews and non-Jews would be equal, even if that meant Israel would no longer be a politically Jewish state.	64%	80%	73%
I would favor the Jewishness of Israel over its democracy: I would support preserving Israel as a politically Jewish state, even if that meant that millions of indigenous non-Jews living under its authority would not have citizenship and equal rights.	27%	12%	17%

What is your impression of Zionism? (University of Maryland, June 21-27, 2023)

	Republican	Democrat	Total
Positive	14%	8%	8%
Neither positive nor negative	21%	16%	19%
Negative	8%	14%	12%
Unfamiliar	32%	36%	33%
Don’t know	25%	28%	29%

In general, what role do you want the United States to play in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Should the United States: (University of Maryland, December 2015*, December 2018**, October 7-12, 2022, March 27-April 5, 2023)

	2015				2018				2022				2023
	Rep.	Dem.	Ind.	Total	Rep.	Dem.	Ind.	Total	Rep.	Dem.	Ind.	Total	Rep.	Dem.	Ind.	Total
Lean toward Israel	45%	13%	19%	29%	57%	7%	18%	30%	51%	15%		29%	47%	12%	25%	28%
Lean toward the Palestinians	2%	3%	4%	3%	3%	8%	3%	5%	3%	12%		8%	2%	14%	6%	7%
Lean toward neither side	51%	80%	75%	66%	36%	82%	74%	62%	47%	72%		63%	49%	72%	68%	63%
Refuse to answer	1%	4%	2%	2%	4%	3%	5%	4%

*(This survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians)
**Question: In general, what role do you want the Trump administration to play in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Should the Trump administration...

You may have been following recent developments in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. In your opinion which of the following is closer to describing the way Israel looks to you: (University of Maryland, March 27-April 5, 2023)

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
A vibrant democracy	14%	3%	10%	9%
A flawed democracy	9%	16%	15%	13%
A state with restricted minority rights	4%	8%	8%	7%
A state with segregation similar to apartheid	7%	21%	13%	13%
Don’t know	64%	52%	53%	56%

There have been ongoing clashes between Israel and the Palestinians for many years. Based on what you know, which of the following statements do you agree with more, even if neither is exactly right? (Jewish Institute for Liberal Values, March 16-May 1, 2022)

	2022
Self-defender	51%
Occupier/Colonizer	22%
DK/Refused	27%

Which of these reasons strikes you as the best reason for the U.S. to support Israel? (Jewish Institute for Liberal Values, March 16-May 1, 2022)

	2022
Israel is our most important ally in the Middle East	21%
Israel shares our values, including freedom of speech, religion, and the right to vote	16%
Israel is the Holy Land, given to the Jews by God	11%
Israel has been the home of the Jewish people for thousands of years	10%
Israel is the frontline in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism	10%
Israel is an economic partner of the U.S., helping to create jobs	5%
Israel is working for peace for both Jews and Palestinians	5%
DK/Refused	24%

Do you think U.S. President Joe Biden is …? (Pew, March 16-May 1, 2022)

	2022
Favoring the Israelis too much	8%
Favoring the Palestinians too much	13%
Striking about the right balance	16%
Not Sure	62%
DK/Refused	1%

In general, how would you describe relations today between the U.S. and Israel? (Pew, March 16-May 1, 2022)

	2022
Good	74%
Bad	22%
DK/Refused	5%

What do you think would be the best possible outcome of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians? (Pew, March 7-13, 2022).

The land is split into two countries, one country with an Israeli government and one country with a Palestinian government	35%
All of the land is one country, governed jointly by Israelis and Palestinians together	16%
All of the land is one country, with an Israeli government	10%
All of the land is one country, with a Palestinian government	2%
Not sure	37%

Which comes closest to your view, even if none is exactly right? (Pew, March 7-13, 2022).

God gave the land that is now Israel to the Jewish people	30%
God did not give the land that is now Israel to the Jewish people	11%
I don’t believe in God	17%
Not sure	41%

Which of the following statements is closer to your view if a two-state solution is not an option? (University of Maryland, December 2018, March 2020)

	2018				2020
	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
I favor the Jewishness of Israel more than its democracy. I support the continuation of Israel’s Jewish majority in the government even if it means that Palestinians will not have citizenship and full rights.	42%	12%	21%	26%	49%	13%	14%	29%
I favor Israel’s democracy more than its Jewishness. I support a single democratic state in which Arabs and Jews are equal even if that means Israel would no longer be a politically Jewish state.	48%	78%	62%	64%	44%	81%	70%	63%
Refuse to answer	10%	11%	17%	11%	8%	7%	16%	8%

In early February, the Trump administration released its Middle East plan addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. How familiar are you with this plan? (University of Maryland, March 2020)

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
Very familiar	4%	4%	1%	4%
Somewhat familiar	27%	25%	15%	25%
Not very familiar	37%	31%	33%	34%
Unfamiliar	32%	38%	49%	36%
Refused	1%	2%	2%	1%

Based on what you know, is the plan: (University of Maryland, March 2020)

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
Too favorable toward Israel	12%	72%	46%	42%
Too favorable toward the Palestinians	8%	11%	9%	10%
About the right balance	71%	10%	29%	40%
DK	9%	6%	17%	8%
Refused	1%	0%	0%	<1%

Based on what you know, what is your opinion of the plan? (University of Maryland, March 2020)

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
Favorable	54%	5%	9%	29%
Unfavorable	12%	71%	53%	42%
Neither favorable nor unfavorable	25%	18%	29%	22%
DK	8%	6%	9%	7%
Refused	1%	0%	0%	1%

The Trump plan envisions Palestinian control over about 70% of the West Bank and Gaza, which were occupied in the 1967 War, in addition to some territorial exchange. According to the plan, the Palestinian territories will be fragmented but connected through passages and Palestinians would have no control over territorial water, air, security, borders, and no right for alliances with other countries. In your opinion, what would you call an entity with those characteristics? (University of Maryland, March 2020)

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
A state	14%	3%	3%	8%
Occupied territories	20%	53%	53%	37%
Autonomous region	13%	24%	21%	18%
One state but without equality	13%	24%	21%	18%
DK	34%	12%	6%	22%
Refused	2%	0%	0%	1%

The plan calls for Israeli annexation of all the Jewish settlements built on the West Bank, which was occupied by Israel in the 1967 War. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements: (University of Maryland, March 2020)

Settlements are illegal under international law and UN resolutions and have been opposed by the international community as well as every single American administration, Democrat and Republican, until the Trump administration. Annexation would reward and encourage violations of international law and norms.

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
Strongly disagree	33%	7%	9%	19%
Somewhat disagree	14%	8%	17%	11%
Neither agree nor disagree	29%	16%	17%	22%
Somewhat agree	12%	23%	20%	18%
Strongly agree	8%	46%	37%	28%
Refused	5%	1%	0%	3%

Annexing these settlements would take away Palestinian land that has already been shrunk historically and undermine the viability of a possible contiguous, independent Palestinian state.

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
Strongly disagree	24%	6%	3%	14%
Somewhat disagree	15%	7%	6%	11%
Neither agree nor disagree	32%	27%	15%	24%
Somewhat agree	19%	28%	35%	24%
Strongly agree	4%	44%	27%	24%
Refused	6%	1%	3%	3%

The United States should disregard the history of the conflict, international law, and UN resolutions as one must contend with the current reality that Israeli settlements have been built since 1967 across much of the West Bank, which Israel controls already, and take into account that Israel is now much stronger than the Palestinians.

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
Strongly disagree	12%	46%	33%	29%
Somewhat disagree	10%	19%	12%	15%
Neither agree nor disagree	34%	19%	27%	26%
Somewhat agree	20%	13%	27%	17%
Strongly agree	18%	3%	0%	10%
Refused	7%	1%	0%	4%

Israel has the right to political sovereignty over the entire West Bank, including the settlements it built there, regardless of the circumstances of its territorial acquisition, and international positions. This is so because of my understanding of the Bible, which gives Israel the right to control these lands, including applying sovereignty over them, and the Jews to settle in them.

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
Strongly disagree	13%	56%	44%	35%
Somewhat disagree	6%	17%	9%	11%
Neither agree nor disagree	23%	17%	15%	20%
Somewhat agree	26%	6%	24%	16%
Strongly agree	29%	3%	9%	16%
Refused	3%	1%	0%	2%

Now tell me, which one of these four options is closer to your view? (University of Maryland, March 2020)

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
Settlements are illegal under international law and UN resolutions and have been opposed by the international community as well as every single American administration, Democrat and Republican, until the Trump dministration. Annexation would reward and encourage violations of international law and norms.	8%	53%	34%	31%
Annexing these settlements would take away Palestinian land that has already been shrunk historically and undermine the viability of a possible contiguous, independent Palestinian state.	11%	24%	20%	17%
The United States should disregard the history of the conflict, international law, and UN resolutions as one must contend with the current reality that Israeli settlements have been built since 1967 across much of the West Bank, which Israel controls already, and take into account that Israel is now much stronger than the Palestinians.	26%	14%	11%	10%
Israel has the right to political sovereignty over the entire West Bank, including the settlements it built there, regardless of the circumstances of its territorial acquisition, and international positions. This is so because of my understanding of the Bible, which gives Israel the right to control these lands, including applying sovereignty over them, and the Jews to settle in them.	48%	7%	29%	28%
Refused	8%	3%	6%	5%

What is your position on the proposal to have Israel annex all the settlements it has built in the West Bank: (University of Maryland, March 2020)

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
Support	56%	8%	17%	31%
Oppose	16%	79%	69%	48%
DK	26%	13%	14%	19%
Refused	3%	0%	0%	2%

e West Bank: (University of Maryland, March 2020)

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
Support	56%	8%	17%	31%
Oppose	16%	79%	69%	48%
DK	26%	13%	14%	19%
Refused	3%	0%	0%	2%

Do you think Donald Trump is… (Pew, April 1-14, 2019).

Favoring the Israelis too much	34%
Favoring the Palestinians too much	6%
Striking about the right balance	50%
No answer	10%

Do you think Donald Trump is - or is not - doing enough to find a peaceful solution to the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians? (Gallup, February 2019)

	Yes, is	No, is not	No Opintion
Feb 1-10, 2019	42%	53%	5%

George W. Bush
Feb 11-14, 2008	46%	47%	7%
Feb 1-4, 2007	44%	51%	5%
June 7-8, 2002	61%	28%	11%

One of the issues of tension between the United States and Israel has been its construction of Israeli settlements in the territories occupied by Israel in the 1967 war. These settlements are considered illegal by most of the international community and have been opposed by every US administration, both Republican and Democratic. The Israeli government has continued to build settlements arguing that they have the right to do so, or that these are not obstacles to peace. How do you believe the US should react to new settlements? (Note: the 2015 survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2018)

	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018
Do nothing	27%	27%	24%	25%	28%
Limit U.S. opposition to words, but take no other action.	34%	31%	28%	28%	26%
Impose some economic sanctions, either through the United Nations or unilaterally.	28%	27%	33%	32%	28%
Take more serious action	11%	10%	13%	12%	12%
Don’t know/refuse to answer	2%	5%	2%	4%	6%

	Republican					Independent					Democrat
	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018
Do nothing	33%	30%	34%	36%	38%	39%	51%	34%	30%	33%	14%	16%	13%	13%	17%
Impose some economic sanctions, either through the United Nations or unilaterally.	33%	38%	20%	31%	30%	28%	13%	20%	25%	27%	37%	30%	24%	25%	22%
Impose economic sanctions	24%	20%	35%	21%	17%	21%	18%	35%	25%	22%	34%	37%	42%	43%	41%
Take more serious action	8%	6%	7%	8%	9%	10%	13%	7%	12%	11%	13%	12%	18%	15%	15%
Don’t know/refuse to answer	2%	5%	5%	3%	7%	2%	6%	5%	7%	8%	1%	5%	2%	4%	6%

As you may know, the United States has been acting as a mediator between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority, with the aim of reaching an agreement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Whether or not these efforts succeed, there is a question about what kind of future for Israel and the Palestinians the U.S. should be supporting over the long term, and many analysts feel that time is running out for some options. Here are four possible approaches that are frequently discussed. Please select the one you think the U.S. should support. (University of Maryland, December 2018)

	Republican	Democrat	Independent	Total
A two-state solution: Israel and a Palestinian state side by side. The Palestinian state would be established on the territories that Israel has occupied since 1967.	24%	48%	31%	36%
A one-state solution: A single democratic state in which both Jews and Arabs are full and equal citizens, covering all of what is now Israel and the Palestinian Territories.	33%	36%	38%	35%
Annexation without equal citizenship: Israel would annex the Palestinian territories, but keep a majority-Jewish state in the expanded territories by restricting citizenship rights of Palestinians	14%	3%	4%	8%
Maintain the occupation of both the territories Israel has captured in 1967 and the Palestinians inhabiting them indefinitely.	18%	5%	13%	11%
Refuse to answer	11%	8%	14%	10%

In general, what role do you want the Trump administration to play in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Should the Trump administration..."Do you think a way can be found for Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully with each other, or not?" (Quinnipiac University Poll. Dec. 13-18, 2017)

	2017
A way can be found	48%
Don’t think a way can be found	41%
Unsure/No answer	11%

"In the Middle East conflict, do you think the United States should take Israel’s side, take the Palestinians’ side, or not take either side?" (CNN, Dec. 14-17, 2017

	2011	2015	2017
Israel’s side	32%	29%	24%
Palestinians’ side	1%	2%	2%
Not take either side	65%	66%	67%
Unsure/Refused	2%	3%	7%

The greater block to peace negotiations is... (H arvard-Harris, March 2017)

Israel	42%
Palestinians	58%

Can a way be found for Israel and an Independent Palestinian state to coexist peacefully, or not? (Pew, January 2017)

	2016	2017
Yes	50%	53%
No	42%	39%
Not sure	8%	6%

Are you in favor of a 2-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? (Washington Post/ABC News, March 2015)

Yes, I would support a 2-state solution	39%
No, I would not support a 2-state solution	36%
Not sure	25%

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, February 2015, CNN, Dec. 14-17, 2017 )

	Yes, there will be a time	No, there will not	No Opinion
Dec. 2017**	39%	56%	6%
Feb 2014	33%	64%	3%
March 2013**	32%	66%	2%
Feb 2012	38%	60%	2%
Feb 2011	38%	60%	2%
Feb 2010	30%	67%	3%
Feb 2009	32%	66%	2%
2008	39%	59%	2%
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%

**CNN poll

Thinking about the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Middle East, please tell me whether, in general, you think America should be...? (CNN/ORC, February 2015)

A strong supporter of Israel	27%
A supporter of Israel	26%
A supporter of the Palestinians	8%
A strong supporter of the Palestinians	3%
Don’t know/refuse to answer	37%

In general, what role do you want to see the US play in mediating the conflict? (The Brookings Institution, December 2014)

Lean toward neither side	64%
Lean toward the Palestinians	4%
Lean toward the Israelis	31%
Refused to answer	0%

If a 2 state solution is not possible, which of the following statements do you agree with more? (The Brookings Institution, December 2014)

I favor Israel’s democracy more than it’s Jewishness. I support a single democratic state in which Arabs are equal to Jews.	71%
I support Israel’s Jewishness more than it’s democracy. I support the continuation of Israel’s Jewish majority even if it means that Palestinians will not have citizenship and full rights.	24%
Refused to answer	5%

Which of the following should the US support? (The Brookings Institution, December 2014)

Maintaining occupation of both the territories Israel has captured in 1967 and the Palestinians inhabbiting them indefinitely	14%
Israeli annexation of the Palestinian territory without equal citizenship	8%
A one state solution in which Israelis and Arabs share full equal citizenship, covering all of the current Israeli and Palestinian territories	34%
A 2 state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with an Israeli state and a Palestinian state existing side by side	39%
Refused to answer	4%

If a two state solution fails, would you personally favor a bi-national democratic state, or a state which deprives Palestinians of citizenship? (The University of Maryland, November 2014)

Bi-national, democratic state	71%
State that deprives Palestinians of citizenship	29%

Would you want our elected representatives in Washington to advocate for a single bi-national state with equal citizenship for Arabs and Jews as a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict? (The University of Maryland, November 2014)

Yes, Washington should push for a single bi-national state with equal citizenship for Israelis and Arabs as a solution to the conflict.

34%

As you may have heard, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have announced that they will form a unity government. Please indicate which side you agree with more, even if neither is entirely right... (Paragon/The Israel Project, May 2-4, 2014)

Israel says that it cannot be expected to negotiate with a government or party that does not recognize its right to exist and seeks to destroy it	46%
The Palestinians say that a unity government of all Palestinians is the first step to lasting peace	18%

Following the announcement of the Palestinian unity government, peace tralks between the Israelis and Palestinians came to a halt. Each side has blamed the other for the negotiations stopping, please indicate which side you agree with more, even if neither is entirely right... (Paragon/The Israel Project, May 2-4, 2014)
A) Israeli statement: Israel says that it can no longer negotiate with the Palestinian Authority now that they are forming a unity government with Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu has said, "Does he [Abbas] want peace with Hamas or peace with Israel? You can have one but not the other. I hope he chooses peace."
B) Palestinian statement: The Palestinian Authority spokesperson for President Abbas says, "The choice of unifying the Palestinian people enforces peace, and there is no contradiction whatsoever between reconciliation and negotiations." The Palestinians declare that Israel which has stolen their land, destroyed their economy, and has pushed young Palestinians to become freedom fighters. Israel should return to the table and negotiate with the entire Palestinian people, including Hamas.

Israeli statement	48%
Palestinian statement	20%

Over the past six months, do you think the situation between Israel and the Palestinians has improved, worsened or stayed about the same? (ADL, October 23, 2011)

	2005	2007	2009	2011
Improved	39%	9%	5%	6%
Worsened	9%	20%	26%	27%
Stayed about the same	45%	59%	58%	58%

IF WORSENED, who do you think is primarily responsible for this chance, Israel or the Palestinians? (ADL, October 23, 2011)

	2009	2011
Israel	22%	26%
Palestinians	51%	56%

In your opinion, how serious is Israel about wanting to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians -- is it very serious, somewhat serious, not very serious, or not at all serious? (ADL, October 23, 2011)

	2003	2005	2007	2009	2011
Very serious	25%	30%	22%	21%	25%
Total	70%	74%	65%	64%	63%

In your opinion, how serious are the Palestinian leaders about wanting to reach a peace agreement with Israel -- are they very serious, somewhat serious, not very serious, or not at all serious? (ADL, October 23, 2011)

	2009	2011
Serious	37%	44%
Not Serious	50%	43%

Americans believe it is up to the Palestinians and the Israelis to negotiate the final terms of peace with minimal involvement from the United States. (ADL, October 23, 2011)

	2005	2007	2009	2011
"Peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians will never take place without the continuing leadership and involvement of the U.S. government."	31%	30%	39%	27%
"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%	60%	48%	64%

Which of these two statements is closest to your own view? (ADL, October 23, 2011)

	2007	2009	2011
"The peace process will be strengthened by the creation of a Palestinian state as soon as possible."	26%	23%	22%
"A Palestinian state must not be established until Palestinians demonstrate a commitment to end violence and accept Israel’s legitimacy."	52%	56%	58%

Americans agree that Israel and the Palestinians should engage in direct negotiations without any of the preconditions Palestinian leaders have demanded. (ADL, October 23, 2011)

Asked to choose, Americans supported direct negotiations between Israel and Palestinian leaders without prior agreements or preconditions.

"Israel and Palestinian leaders should engage in direct negotiations without any preconditions."	50%
"Israel should accept preconditions before direct negotiations take place."	30%

Support for direct negotiations without preconditions increased among Americans after learning it’s a position the U.S. government backs .

"Israel and Palestinian leaders should engage in direct negotiations without any preconditions, a position the U.S. government supports."	55%
"Israel should accept preconditions before direct negotiations take place."	27%

Which statement is closest to your own view? (ADL, October 23, 2011)

"Because of the stalemate in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, the UN should vote to make Palestine an independent state."	28%
"Direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians are the only appropriate way to create a Palestinian state."	52%

Which of these next two statements is closest to your own view? (ADL, October 23, 2011)

"It is important for the U.S. to work with emerging Arab democracies like Tunisia and Egypt, even if it means weakening our strong relationship with Israel."	40%
"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."	39%

Who do you blame more for the failure to achieve a peace settlement in the Middle East - the Israelis, the Palestinians or both equally? (Quinnipiac University/The Israel Project, October 3, 2011)

	Israelis	Palestinians	Both
GOP	3%	39%	53%
IND	7%	19%	68%
DEM	8%	9%	70%
Total	6%	22%	64%

Thinking about possible actions regarding the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians: (The Israel Project)

Some Palestinian leaders, like Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, have suggested that the Palestinians break the stalemate and unilaterally declare an independent Palestinian state without a signed peace treat with Israel. Would you support or oppose the Palestinians doing this?

	April 2011	June 2011
Support	31%	25%
Oppose	51%	57%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	18%	18%

Some Palestinian leaders, like Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, have voiced an intention to seek recognition of a Palestinian state from the United Nations this September without a negotiated peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. If this issue is brought up in the UN, should the U.S. government support or oppose the UN resolution recognizing a unilaterally declared Palestinian state without a peace agreement between the parties?

	June 2011
Support	28%
Oppose	61%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	11%

If the Palestinians do not sign a peace treaty with Israel, do you think the United States should recognize a unilaterally-declared Palestinian state?

	April 2011
Yes	33%
No	54%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	12%

With regards to the possible United Nations General Assembly vote to recognize a Palestinian state, which of the following statements do you agree with more? (The Israel Project, June 2011)

If the United Nations General Assembly votes to recognize a Palestinian state it will help strengthen the position of the Palestinian Authority and make an agreement with Israel more likely.	34%
If the United Nations General Assembly votes to recognize a Palestinian state without any negotiations between Israel and Palestinians, it will make an agreement with Israel less likely.	50%

With regards to the possible United Nations General Assembly vote to recognize a Palestinian state, which of the following statements do you agree with more? (The Israel Project, June 2011)

If the United Nations General Assembly votes to recognize a Palestinian state it will help pressure Israel to make helpful concessions and make peace easier to achieve.	31%
If the United Nations General Assembly votes to recognize a Palestinian state it will only harden extremists on both sides and make peace much harder to achieve.	57%

Which of the following statements do you agree with more? (The Israel Project, June 2011)

The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is really about land. Once agreements are reached on how to divide Jerusalem and establishing borders, the two sides can achieve a peace agreement.	27%
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is about ideology and religion. The two sides can achieve a peace agreement only when they acknowledge each other’s right to exist.	64%

Based on what you have recently seen, read or heard, how much of an effort is Israel making to achieve peace? (The Israel Project, April 2011)

A big effort	12%
Somewhat of an effort	49%
Not much of an effort	25%
No effort	4%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	9%

Based on what you have recently seen, read or heard, how much of an effort are the Palestinians making to achieve peace? (The Israel Project, April 2011)

A big effort	2%
Somewhat of an effort	34%
Not much of an effort	35%
No effort	18%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	11%

Which of the following do you think is primarily responsible for the conflict? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

The presence of Jewish communities in the West Bank	12.2%
Arab denial of Israel’s right to exist and terrorism	57.4%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	30.4%

Should Palestinians recognize Israel as the Jewish State? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Yes	77.9%
No	6.0%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	16.1%

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "Only diplomacy and negotiations can end the rockets and terror against Israel." (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Agree	47.9%
Disagree	40.8%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	11.3%

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "Israeli policies toward the Palestinians forces them essentially to become terrorists." (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Agree	27.1%
Disagree	58.8%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	14.1%

If a Palestinian state was created, do you think terrorism against Israel would increase, decrease or be unchanged? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Increased	25.5%
Decreased	18.7%
Be unchanged	41.2%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	14.6%

If a Palestinian state was created, do you think anti-American sentiment in the Arab World would increase, decrease or be unchanged? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Increased	22.1%
Decreased	15.7%
Be unchanged	50.2%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	12.0%

Should Jerusalem remain as Israel’s undivided capital in any peace agreement with the Palestinians? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Yes	50.9%
No	20.4%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	28.7%

As part of a Middle Eastern peace agreement, should Palestinian leaders be required to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state? (Rasmussen)

	March 2010	September 2010
Yes	75%	77%
No	6%	7%
Not sure	20%	16%

As part of a Middle Eastern peace agreement, should Israel be required to accept the creation of a Palestinian state? (Rasmussen, September 2010)

Yes	51%
No	27%
Not sure	22%

How likely is it that Palestinian leaders will acknowledge Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state? (Rasmussen, September 2010)

Very likely	6%
Somewhat likely	19%
Not very likely	45%
Not at all likely	19%
Not sure	11%

How likely is it that Israel will accept the creation of a Palestinian state? (Rasmussen, September 2010)

Very likely	6%
Somewhat likely	36%
Not very likely	38%
Not at all likely	9%
Not sure	10%

Thinking about both sides in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, who do you believe is more committed to reaching an agreement? (The Israel Project, September 2010)

Israel	61%
The Palestinians	11%
Both	3%
Neither	10%
Don’t know/refused to answer	15%

How committed do you think the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is to reaching a peace agreement with the Palestinians? (The Israel Project)

	June 2009	October 2009	May 2010	September 2010
Very committed	7%	12%	10%	17%
Somewhat committed	39%	41%	43%	41%
Just a little committed	23%	21%	20%	19%
Not committed at all	16%	15%	15%	19%
Don’t know/refused to answer	14%	12%	12%	14%

How committed do you think the Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank and is led by President Mahmoud Abbas, is to reaching a peace agreement with Israel? (The Israel Project)

	June 2009	October 2009	May 2010	September 2010
Very committed	3%	2%	4%	6%
Somewhat committed	31%	33%	27%	34%
Just a little committed	22%	25%	22%	23%
Not committed at all	27%	32%	33%	23%
Don’t know/refused to answer	17%	8%	13%	14%

And thinking again about the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, which statement do you agree with most? (The Israel Project)

	March 2010	September 2010
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is really about land. Once agreements are reached on dividing Jerusalem and establishing borders, the two sides will live side-by-side in peace.	18.7%	32%
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is about ideology and religion. The two sides will live in peace only when they acknowledge each other’s right to exist.	72.8%	63%
Don’t know/refused to answer	8.5%	6%

Which of the following is the greater obstacle to moving ahead on peace negotiations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? (The Israel Project, May 2010)

The culture of hate among Palestinians that glorifies terrorists.	54%
The Israeli government building Jewish housing in mostly Palestinian areas of East Jerusalem.	25%
Don’t know/refused to answer	20%

Thinking about the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Middle East, please tell me, in general, which of the following you think the United States should be. (The Israel Project)

	March 2010	May 2010
A strong supporter of Israel	39.4%	31%
A supporter of Israel	22.8%	25%
A supporter of the Palestinians	3.4%	5%
A strong supporter of the Palestinians	2.1%	2%
Don’t support either side	14.0%	21%
Support both sides equally	6.7%	-
Don’t know/refused to answer	11.6%	9%

Please tell me how much you agree with the following statement: "Enemies of America use the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as an excuse to create anti-American sentiment. Even if the dispute is settled, they would find another excuse to justify hostility towards America." (The Israel Project, March 2010)

Strongly agree	51.6%
Somewhat agree	28.9%
Neutral	8.1%
Somewhat disagree	5.3%
Strongly disagree	4.1%
Don’t know/refused to answer	2.0%

Within the next decade, how likely is it that there will be lasting peace between the Palestinians and Israel? (Rasmussen, March 2010)

Very likely	2%
Somewhat likely	14%
Not very likely	54%
Not at all likely	19%
Not sure	10%

As part of a Middle Eastern peace agreement, should Israel be required to stop building new settlements in occupied Palestinian territory? (Rasmussen, March 2010)

Yes	49%
No	22%
Not Sure	29%

Which statement is closest to your own opinion? (The Israel Project, March 2010)

With all the problems that America is facing at home now, we should reduce our efforts to create a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.	29%
Even with all the problems that America faces at home now, we must still work hard to create a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.	56%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	4%

*Asked of a half sample.

Over the past six months, do you think the situation between Israel and the Palestinians has improved, worsened, or stayed about the same? (ADL)

	2005	2007	2009
Improved	39%	9%	5%
Worsened	9%	20%	26%
Stay about the same	45%	59%	58%

Which of these two statements is closest to your own view? (ADL)

	2007	2009
The peace process will be strengthened by the creation of a Palestinian state as soon as possible.	26%	23%
A Palestinian state must not be established until Palestinians demonstrate a commitment to end violence and accept Israel’s legitimacy.	52%	56%

Which of these two statements is closest to your own view? (ADL, October 2009)

If Israel completely stops all further construction of settlements, the Palestinians would be prepared to negotiate with Israel to achieve a final resolution of the conflict.	25%
Currently there are two Palestinian governments--one on the West Bank and one in Gaza. These two governments completely disagree about the future of the Palestinian and Israeli relationship. There can be no final resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict until there is one unified Palestinian government.	51%

Which of these two statements is closest to your own view? (ADL, October 2009)

If Israel completely stops all further construction of settlements, the leaders of the Arab countries will be prepared to negotiate a lasting peace with Israel and recognize Israel’s right to exist.	25%
If Israel completely stops all further construction of residential settlements, the leaders of the Arab world will continue to refuse to recognize Israel’s right to exist.	53%

In discussing their hopes for Middle East peace, senior officials in the Obama administration have said that this moment in history presents a unique opportunity for Israel and the Palestinians to move the peace process forward and come to a lasting agreement. With these remarks as background, which view is closer to your own: (ADL, October 2009)

The Israelis and the Palestinians will never have a better opportunity to reach a peace agreement than they do this moment.	29%
The differences between the Israelis and the Palestinians will drag on for years.	61%

I’d like to read you a series of short statements. After I read each one, please tell me whether it is extremely important, very important, somewhat important or not that important in helping to bring peace in the Middle East. (The Israel Project, January 2009)

	Important	Not Important	DK/REF
Stopping Iran from arming, funding and training terrorists	87%	11%	2%
Getting Palestinians to stop teaching hate	90%	8%	2%
Getting Palestinians to stop shooting rockets into Israel	91%	8%	1%
Getting Iran to stop its nuclear program	76%	22%	1%
Getting Israel to stop its military incursions into Gaza	41%	53%	6%
Getting Israel to open all the borders to Gaza so that goods and services can flow freely to Palestinians	41%	55%	4%
Getting Israel to stop expanding its settlements and give up land to the Palestinians	38%	54%	8%

Which statement is closest to your own opinion? (The Israel Project, January 2009)

With all the problems that America is facing at home now, we should reduce our focus on the problems in the Middle East.	33%
Even with all the problems that America faces at home now, we must still work hard to help bring peace to the Middle East.	65%
Don’t know/Refused to answer	1%

Thinking again about the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, which statement do you agree with more? (The Israel Project)

	March 2008	January 2009
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is really about land. Once agreements are reached on dividing Jerusalem and establishing borders, the two sides will live side-by-side in peace.	24%	19%
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is about ideology and religion. The two sides will live in peace only when they acknowledge each other’s right to exist.	69%	73%
DK	6%	5%
Refused	1%	2%

How confident are you that the incoming Obama administration can resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians? Are you … (McClatchy / Ipsos, January, 6, 2009)

Very confident	10%
Somewhat confident	32%
Not too confident	22%
Not at all confident	29%
(DK/NS)	7%

(Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)

	April 2003	July 2005	October 2005	April 2006	January 2008
Now, thinking about the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Middle East, please tell me whether, in general, do you think AMERICA SHOULD be a strong supporter of Israel, a supporter of Israel, a supporter of the Palestinians or a strong supporter of the Palestinians
-->Israel	23	38	34	48	61
-->The Palestinians	71	46	51	43	23
	Warm				Cool
Palestinians: Now, I’d like you to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. You can use any number from zero to one hundred, the higher the number the more favorable your feelings are toward that person or organization	15%				49%
Abbas: Now, I’d like you to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. You can use any number from zero to one hundred, the higher the number the more favorable your feelings are toward that person or organization	10%				53%
	The Palestinian Leadership		The Arab States	Israel	The Palestinians
Who is mostly responsible that the Palestinians have been refugees and do not have a state?	35%		16%	15%	15%

(Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)

	The Governments				The People
	Israel committed	Israel NOT committed	Palestinians committed	Palestinians NOT committed	Israel committed	Israel NOT committed	Palestinians committed	Palestinians NOT committed
How committed do you think the Israeli/Palestinian government/people are to reaching a peace agreement with Israel/the Palestinians?	66%	29%	44%	51%	58%	39%	34%	63%

Now let me read you some pairs of short statements. Please tell me which statement comes closer to your view. (Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)

	Actions understandable	Overreactions
Israel’s actions toward the Palestinians are understandable given the security threat they face OR Israel’s actions toward the Palestinians are an overreaction to the security threat they face	63%	29%
	Attacks must stop	Attacks will not stop
Palestinians must stop attacks on Israel before there can be a Palestinian state OR Palestinian attacks on Israel will not stop until there is a Palestinian state	53%	37%
	Reduce terrorism	Not have much impact
A peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians would reduce terrorism around the world OR A peace agreement between Isarel and the Palestinians would not have much of an impact on terrorism around the world	43%	55%
	Solely Palestinian state	Secure borders
The goal of peace talks in the Middle East should solely be the creation of a Palestinian state OR The goal of peace talks in the Middle East should be both a Palestinian state and peace and security in recognized borders for Israel and the Palestinians	12%	81%
	Palestinian state	Recognition
The goal of peace talks in the Middle East should be the creation of a Palestinian state OR The goal of peace talks in the Middle East should be an end to terrorism and attacks on Israel, full recognition of Israel by Arab states and a Palestinian state	30%	60%

From what you have seen, read or heard recently regarding the Acting Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, do you believe that Ehud Olmert is a leader who is COMMITTED TOWARD PEACE with the Palestinians, or is a leader who is NOT INTERESTED IN PEACE? (The Israel Project National Survey, 2006)

Committed Toward Peace	25%
Not Interested in Peace	14%
Don’t Know	59%

From what you have seen, read or heard recently regarding the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon do you believe he is a leader who is COMMITTED TOWARD PEACE with the Palestinians, or is a leader who is NOT INTERESTED IN PEACE? (The Israel Project National Survey, 2006)

Strongly Committed Toward Peace	52%
Committed Toward Peace	17%
Strongly Not Interested in Peace	8%
Not Interested in Peace	5%

American Polls: Attitudes Toward the Peace Process

(2009 - Present)