Israeli Opinions On Fighting with Hamas

We are presenting raw data. To analyze the data, we encourage users to read the entire study and the methodology used. Results and reliability can be affected by sample size, question wording, and question order. Context and timing may also influence responses, for example, if the survey is conducted during a war.

In your opinion, to what extent has the assassination of Yahya Sinwar brought Israel closer to achieving its goal of toppling Hamas’s rule over the Gaza Strip? (Israel Democracy Institute, October 28-November 3, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
To a very large extent	21%	9%	19%
To quite a large extent	41%	12%	36%
To quite a small extent	24%	26%	24%
Not at all	8%	39%	14%
DK	5%	15%	7%

In your opinion, can Israel allow itself at the current time to take a more flexible position toward Hamas, in order to make it easier to reach a deal for the release of the hostages? (Israel Democracy Institute, October 28-November 3, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
It can	54%	67%	56%
It cannot	39%	23%	36%
DK	7%	10%	8%

A year after the start of the Iron Swords War, has there been any change in your trust of the IDF? (INSS, October 10-13, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Trust increased	34%	11%	29%
Trust unchanged	42%	34%	40%
Trust has declined	21%	36%	24%
DK	4%	20%	7%

A year after the start of the Iron Swords War, has there been any change in your trust of the Israeli Government? (INSS, October 10-13, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Trust increased	13%	3%	11%
Trust unchanged	25%	16%	23%
Trust has declined	60%	66%	61%
DK	2%	16%	5%

Do you think the Israeli Government has a plan to end the Iron Swords War? (INSS, October 10-13, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Yes	20%	5%	17%
No	59%	70%	61%
DK	21%	26%	22%

With which of the following statements do you most agree? Victory in Gaza will only be achieved when (INSS, October 10-13, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Sinwar is eliminated	5%	4%	5%
All the hostages are returned	50%	45%	49%
The Hamas leadership is removed from Gaza	5%	6%	4%
There is realistic security control of Gaza and residents can return to the Gaza envelope villages	30%	4%	25%
A moderate Palestinian element is in control of the Gaza Strip	2%	11%	4%
DK	6%	34%	12%

Are you satisfied with the operational achievements in Gaza so far? (INSS, October 10-13, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Satisfied	10%	42%	17%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied	33%	23%	31%
Dissatisfied	54%	13%	45%
DK	3%	22%	7%

In your opinion, will the IDF win the war in Gaza? (INSS, September 2024)

	2023	October 2024
	Israeli Jews	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Will win	83%	76%	27%	65%
Will not win	10%	14%	36%	19%
DK	7%	10%	38%	16%

In your opinion, will the aims of the war in Gaza be achieved? (INSS, October 10-13, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Fully/Quite a lot	57%	15%	49%
Very little/None	34%	58%	38%
DK	9%	28%	13%

Is Israel doing too little, too much, or about the right amount to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza? (Langer Reasearch/PORI poll, September 8-22, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Too little	7%	50%	14%
Too much	59%	26%	54%
About right	31%	17%	28%

In your opinion, has the time come to end the war in Gaza? (Israel Democracy Institute, September 15-19, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Yes	45%	93%	53%
No	43%	5%	36%
Dk	12%	2%	11%

In your opinion, what is the main reason why the war in Gaza should be ended? [for those who said it should end] (Israel Democracy Institute, September 15-19, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Because the fighting has already achieve most of what can be achieved	15%	11%	14%
Because continuing the fighting endangers the hostages	56%	45%	53%
Because this will improve relations with the United States	1%	6%	2%
Because ending the war in Gaza will enable the decision-makers and the IDF to turn their attention to the northern front	20%	7%	16%
Because of the high cost in human life and the desire for quiet, peace and security	3%	14%	6%
DK	2%	11%	5%

In your opinion, who should control the Gaza Strip after the end of the war? (Israel Democracy Institute, September 15-19, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Israel	39%	9%	34%
A multinational force	40%	20%	37%
The Palestinian Authority	8%	30%	12%
A weakened Hamas	1%	8%	2%
Because of the high cost in human life and the desire for quiet, peace and security	3%	14%	6%
DK	10%	32%	14%

Recently, it has been argued that there is a contradiction between Israel’s two war goals – toppling Hamas and bringing the hostages home. In your opinion, which of the two should be Israel’s main goal today? (Israel Democracy Institute, September 15-19, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Toppling Hamas	32%	12%	29%
Bringing the hostages home	59%	77%	62%
DK	9%	11%	9%

In your opinion, are the protests by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum improving or damaging the likelihood of a deal for the return of the hostages? (Israel Democracy Institute, September 15-19, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Improving	21%	68%	29%
Reducing	46%	7%	39%
Neither	26%	23%	25%
DK	8%	2%	7%

Do you support or oppose investigating soldiers when suspicions arise of abuse of Palestinians from Gaza who are being held in detention by the IDF? (Israel Democracy Institute, September 15-19, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Support	35%	75%	42%
Oppose	62%	21%	55%

In your opinion, what punishment should be given to someone found guilty of abusing detainees from Gaza held by the IDF? (Israel Democracy Institute, September 15-19, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
The usual punishment defined by law for such cases	29%	77%	37%
A reduced punishment, as these detainees were suspected of involvement in terrorism	60%	13%	52%
DK	11%	10%	11%

In your opinion, will the goals of the war be achieved? (INSS, September 2024)

	2023	September 2024
		Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Will be fully achieved	12%	10%	1%	8%
Quite a lot will be achieved	49%	38%	15%	34%
Very little will be achieved	23%	34%	29%	32%
None of them will be achieved	6%	10%	25%	13%
DK	10%	9%	30%	13%

What do you think the situation in Gaza should be the day after the war? (INSS, September 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Restore Jewish settlement in Gaza	23%	1%	19%
Permanent Israeli government in Gaza	21%	5%	18%
Transfer control of Gaza to a the reformed Palestinian Authority (which includes recognizing Israel and implementing an educational program for deradicalization)	20%	38%	24%
Transfer control in the Gaza Strip to an international trust (as an interim phase)	28%	17%	25%
DK	8%	38%	14%

How concerned are you about the state of Israeli society on the day after the war? (INSS, September 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Not concerned	3%	3%	3%
Concerned	94%	82%	93%
DK	8%	38%	14%

How optimistic are you about Israeli society's ability to recover from the crisis and grow? (INSS, September 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Optimistic	63%	33%	57%
Pessimistic	33%	41%	34%
DK	4%	26%	9%

What is the extent of your current sense of personal security? (INSS, September 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
High	24%	7%	21%
Moderate	48%	34%	45%
Low	27%	48%	31%
DK	1%	11%	3%

What effect do you think the elimination of Ismail Haniyeh and Fuad Shukr has had on Israel's general security? (INSS, August 8-11, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Improved	44%	15%	38%
Neither improved nor worsened	34%	21%	32%
Worsened	15%	43%	20%
DK	7%	33%	10%

In what way do you think the elimination of Ismail Haniyeh and Fuad Shukr has affected the chances of freeing the hostages? (INSS, August 8-11, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Improved	27%	11%	24%
Neither improved nor harmed	33%	16%	29%
Harmed	31%	53%	36%
DK	10%	21%	12%

The military prosecutor recently asked to extend the detention of the five soldiers suspected of severe abuse and clarified that there is further evidence strengthening the suspicions against them. In your opinion: (INSS, August 8-11, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
They should only be disciplined at command level	65%	18%	56%
They should face criminal prosecution	21%	55%	28%
DK	14%	28%	17%

Do you think that Israel should obey international laws and maintain ethical values in war? (INSS, August 8-11, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Yes	43%	64%	47%
No	47%	10%	40%
DK	11%	26%	14%

To what extent do you think Israel should take account of the position of the United States when deciding its war policy? (INSS, August 8-11, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Very much	12%	27%	15%
Somewhat	44%	32%	42%
Not very much	31%	8%	26%
Not at all	10%	4%	8%
DK	4%	30%	9%

What do you think Israel should do now regarding a deal for the release of the hostages? (Israel Democracy Institute, July 30-August 4, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Agree to a deal for the release of some of the hostages, in return for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza	33%	9%	30%
Agree to a comprehensive deal for the release of all the hostages, in return for an end to the war and a full retreat from Gaza	46%	89%	54%
DK	22%	3%	18%

In principle, do you support or oppose establishing some form of inquiry into the events of October 7? (Israel Democracy Institute, July 30-August 4, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Support	94%	79%	30%
Oppose	4%	15%	6%
DK	4%	7%	4%

If it is decided to establish an inquiry into the events of October 7, in your estimation, when should it be established? (Israel Democracy Institute, July 30-August 4, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
As soon as possible	55%	63%	56%
Only when the war ends	42%	28%	40%
DK	3%	10%	4%

Who should control Gaza after the war ends? [Jewish Israelis] (JPPI, July 2024)

Civilian control by Palestinian entities and Arab countries with security under Israeli responsibility	35%
Full control by Israel, civilian and security	28%
Civil control by the Palestinian Authority with security under Israeli responsibility	10%
Civil control by Palestinian entities with security under Israeli responsibility	12%
Full control by Palestinian entities and arab countries, civilian and security	8%
None of these/DK	7%

Should Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resign over the failures of October 7? (Midgam, July 2024)

Yes, immediately	44%
Yes, when the war ends	28%

Who is most responsible for the October 7 catastrophe? (Midgam, July 2024)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu	39%
Military intelligence chief Aharon Haliva	18%
IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi	10%
Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar	7%
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant	4%

Do you support a deal with Hamas that would result in a ceasefire and the return of the hostages? (Midgam, July 2024)

Yes	64%
No	15%
DK	21%

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum that any deal must include the return of all the hostages, both alive and dead? (Israel Democracy Institute, June 30-July 2, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Agree	72%	88%	74%
Disagree	26%	8%	23%
DK	3%	4%	3%

In your estimation, for how much longer will Israeli society be able to bear the burden of continued fighting in Gaza and the confrontation in the north? (Israel Democracy Institute, June 30-July 2, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
A few months	29%	47%	32%
Six months to a year	22%	13%	20%
A year or more	8%	7%	8%
As long as it takes to achieve the goals of the war	34%	12%	30%
DK	8%	21%	10%

Jewish settlements should resettle the Gaza Strip. (Agam Labs, May 2024)

	Oct. 2023	May 2024
Agree	51%	37%
Disagree	31%	48%
Unsure	18%	15%

Transfer Gaza’s sovereignty to moderate Arab states. (Agam Labs, May 2024)

	Oct. 2023	May 2024
Agree	37%	50%
Disagree	44%	31%
Unsure	19%	19%

the IDF should avoid harming innocent people during the operation in Gaza. (Agam Labs, May 2024)

	Oct. 2023	May 2024
Agree	39%	42%
Disagree	46%	44%
Unsure	15%	14%

Alongside the campaign against Hamas, humanitarian aid should be given to the residents of the Gaza Strip. (Agam Labs, May 2024)

	Oct. 2023	May 2024
Agree	25%	30%
Disagree	56%	52%
Unsure	19%	18%

Does the government currently have a clear plan of action for the next phases of the operation in Gaza? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, October 15-17, 2023, May 26-28, 2024)

	Oct. 2023	Nov. 2023	Dec. 2023	May 2024
Certain/Think it does	44%	28%	28%	16%
Certain/Think it does not	47%	63%	64%	79%
DK	10%	9%	8%	5%

*In the October 2023 survey, the question asked was: “Does the government currently have or not have a clear plan of action for the next phases of the operation in Gaza?”

In your opinion, what is the main reason behind the intention of the chief prosecutor at the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, May 26-28, 2024)

	Arabs	Jews	Total
The way in which Israel and the IDF have conducted the war in Gaza	50%	10%	17%
Israel’s ineffective public diplomacy efforts to explain its actions to the world	9%	23%	21%
Long-standing anti-Israel bias at the ICC	13%	60%	52%
DK	28%	7%	105

What should be the highest priority in terms of Israeli national interest: military action in Rafah or a deal to release the hostages? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, May 1-6, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
A deal to release the hostages should be the top priority for Israel	56%	6%	62%
Military action in Rafah should be the top priority	37%	89%	32%
DK	7%	6%	7%

Israel’s military response against Hamas in Gaza has … (Pew, March 3-April 4, 2024)

	Arabs	Jews	Total
Gone too far	74%	4%	19%
Been about right			39%
Not gone far enough			345
DK			7%

Overall, do you think Israel will definitely succeed, probably succeed, probably fail or definitely fail in achieving its goals in the war against Hamas, or do you not know? (Pew, March 3-April 4, 2024)

	Arabs	Jews	Total
Succeed	38%	76%	68%
Fail	42%	12%	18%
DK/Refused	10%	12%	12%

Thinking about U.S. president Joe Biden, do you strongly approve, somewhat approve, somewhat disapprove or strongly disapprove of the way he is dealing with the conflict between Israel and Hamas? (Pew, March 3 April 4, 2024)

	Arabs	Jews	Total
Approve	12%	46%	39%
Disapprove	86%	53%	60%

After the war ends, which of the following groups do you think should govern the Gaza Strip? (Pew, March 3 April 4, 2024)

	Arabs	Jews	Total
Israel	3%	50%	40%
Hamas	9%	0%	2%
UN	5%	4%	4%
PA national unity government with Abu Mazens leadership	11%	5%	6%
PA national unity government without Abu Mazens leadership	18%	10%	12%
The people who live there should decide who governs	37%	8%	14%
Or some other group or person	2%	7%	6%
Dk/refused	16%	15%	16%

Thinking about each of the following, should they play a major role, a minor role or no role at all in diplomatically resolving the war between Israel and Hamas? The United States (Pew, March 3 April 4, 2024)

	2024
	Arabs	Jews	Total
A major role	63%	74%	72%
A minor role			16%
No role			10%
Dk/refused			3%

Thinking about each of the following, should they play a major role, a minor role or no role at all in diplomatically resolving the war between Israel and Hamas? Qatar (Pew, March 3 April 4, 2024)

	2024
A major role	27%
A minor role	22%
No role	47%
Dk/refused	4%

Thinking about each of the following, should they play a major role, a minor role or no role at all in diplomatically resolving the war between Israel and Hamas? European countries (Pew, March 3 April 4, 2024)

	2024
A major role	38%
A minor role	31%
No role	26%
Dk/refused	5%

Thinking about each of the following, should they play a major role, a minor role or no role at all in diplomatically resolving the war between Israel and Hamas? UN (Pew, March 3 April 4, 2024)

	2024
A major role	24%
A minor role	28%
No role	43%
Dk/refused	5%

Thinking about each of the following, should they play a major role, a minor role or no role at all in diplomatically resolving the war between Israel and Hamas? Saudi Arabia (Pew, March 3 April 4, 2024)

	2024
A major role	29%
A minor role	26%
No role	38%
Dk/refused	7%

Thinking about each of the following, should they play a major role, a minor role or no role at all in diplomatically resolving the war between Israel and Hamas? Egypt (Pew, March 3 April 4, 2024)

	2024
A major role	45%
A minor role	32%
No role	20%
Dk/refused	2%

Do you think U.S. President Joe Biden is …? (Pew, March 3 April 4, 2024)

	2022	2024
		Arabs	Jews	Total
Favoring Israelis too much	31%	86%	11%	27%
Favoring Palestinians too much	26%			25%
Favoring each group the right amount	34%			41%
Dk/refused	9%			7%

Thinking about the war between Israel and Hamas, how concerned are you about the possibility of each of the following? The war expanding into other countries in the region (Pew, March 3 April 4, 2024)

	2024
	Arabs	Jews	Total
Concerned	61%	61%	61%
Not concerned			13%

Thinking about the war between Israel and Hamas, how concerned are you about the possibility of each of the following? The war going on for a very long time (Pew, March 3 April 4, 2024)

	2024
	Arabs	Jews	Total
Concerned	77%	66%	68%
Not concerned			9%

Should Israel carry out a military operation in Rafah even though the U.S. opposes it? (Globes, March 12-13, 2024)

Yes in any circumstances	49%
Yes, if coordinated with the U.S.	20%
Yes, even without coordination with the US, as long as a solution is found for evacuating civilians	13%
Not in any circumstances	10%
DK	9%

What is your view of the claims that Israel is failing to do enough to avoid harming civilians in the Gaza Strip? (Globes, March 12-13, 2024)

Israel does all it can not to harm civilians	62%
Israel does too much, since there are no "non-combatants" in the Gaza Strip	19%
Israel does not do enough	11%
DK	7%

What’s your view on humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip? (Globes, March 12-13, 2024)

Israel should make aid conditional on a hostage release deal	44%
Israel should provide all aid necessary, because this is the right thing to do, and because it helps Israel internationally	27%
Israel should provide no humanitarian aid while the war continues	22%
DK	7%

Which of the following sentences most closely represents your view of US President Biden? (Globes, March 12-13, 2024)

Biden is a friend of Israel, but he’s in an election period and his statements have to be understood in that context	37%
With all due respect to Biden, Israel has to act independently and needn’t take his opinions into account	31%
Biden is a great friend of Israel, and has given us a great deal of aid, and so we should consider his opinions	21%
DK	11%

President Biden argues that a diplomatic solution should be promoted for “the day after” in the Gaza Strip, and believes that a normalization agreement can be reached between Israel and Saudi Arabia. What is your view on that? (Globes, March 12-13, 2024)

Biden is wrong. As long as we are fighting and there’s no hostage release deal, there is no room for a diplomatic solution	36%
Biden is right. The question of the day after mustn’t be neglected even if there is no hostage release deal	23%
Israel should control the Gaza Strip for years ahead, and shouldn’t be looking for diplomatic solutions at this stage	14%
Biden is right, we should talk about "the day after", but the solution should not include any kind of Palestinian involvement	14%
DK	12%

Should President Biden be allowed to address the Knesset? (Globes, March 12-13, 2024)

Yes	50%
No	26%
DK	24%

To what extent do you believe that Israel should continue with the war even at the price of deepening Israel’s isolation internationally? (Globes, March 12-13, 2024)

Israel should only be concerned about itself. The fighting should continue regardless of its situation in the world	41%
Israel should continue fighting, but has to take its situation in the world into account	40%
Israel must take its situation in the world into account, and stop the fighting	11%
DK	8%

What is your view of President Biden’s statement that Netanyahu’s conduct of the war is hurting Israel more than helping it? (Globes, March 12-13, 2024)

Biden is right	42%
Biden is wrong	37%
DK	21%

How should Israel proceed with its military operations in Rafah? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, February 28-March 4, 2024)

Israeli Jews

Israeli Arabs

Total

Avoid expanding its military operations into Rafah

14%

19%

15%

Expand its military operations into Rafah

74%

17%

65%

The prime minister is currently talking in terms of ending the war with an “absolute victory.” In your opinion, what is the likelihood that the war in Gaza will indeed conclude with an absolute victory for Israel? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, February 12-15, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
High/Very High Likelihood	42%	18%	38%
Low/Very Low Likelihood	51%	78%	55%
DK	7%	4%	6%

Do you support or oppose the idea that Israel should allow the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza residents at this time, with food and medicines being transferred by international bodies that are not linked to Hamas or to UNRWA? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, February 12-15, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Somewhat/Strongly Support	30%	85%	39%
Somewhat/Strongly Oppose	68%	13%	58%
DK	3%	2%	3%

Would you support or oppose an agreement to end the war which includes the release of all the hostages, long-term military quiet with guarantees from the United States, and a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia, in return for the release by Israel of large numbers of Palestinian prisoners, an extended ceasefire, and agreement for the establishment of a demilitarized Palestinian state in the long term? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, February 12-15, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Somewhat/Strongly Support	37%	77%	16%
Somewhat/Strongly Oppose	55%	9%	47%
DK	8%	13%	9%

Which of the following two possibilities will better ensure the security of residential localities in the north in the future and the return home of all the residents who were evacuated? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, February 12-15, 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
An internationally mediated political agreement that distances Hezbollah from the border	36%	69%	42%
An all-out Israeli attack on Hezbollah forces in Lebanon	53%	9%	46%
DK	10%	22%	12%

Let’s assume Israel’s leaders reach the conclusion that only the two following options are available to them, which do you think they should choose? (JPPI, February 2024)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
The hostages are returned, and Hamas remains in control of Gaza	25%	61%	32%
The hostages are not returned, and Hamas loses control of Gaza	47%	11%	40%
Can’t answer	28%	28%	28%

How confident are you that Israel will the war? [Israeli Jews only] (JPPI, February 2024)

	Oct 2023	Nov. 2023	Feb. 2024
Confident	74%	61%	54%
Not confident	10%	19%	24%
Unsure	16%	21%	22%

Do you think the war is progressing in the right direction? (Channel 13 Israel, February 2, 2024)

Yes	40%
No	40%
DK	20%

Should the humanitarian aid that is transferred to Gaza be stopped? (Channel 13 Israel, February 2, 2024)

Yes	70%
No	20%
DK	10%

Do you trust Prime Minister Netanyahu in managing the war? (Channel 13 Israel, February 2, 2024)

Yes	30%
No	58%
DK	12%

Are you in favor of establishing renewed settlements in Gaza? (Channel 13 Israel, February 2, 2024)

Yes	31%
No	51%
DK	18%

Recently, it has been argued that there is a contradiction between Israel’s two war goals—toppling Hamas and bringing the hostages home. In your opinion, which of the two should be Israel’s main goal today? (Israel Democracy Institute, January 28–30, 2024)

	Jews	Arabs	Total
Bringing the hostages home	47%	69%	51%
Toppling Hamas	42%	8%	36%
DK		23%	13%

“In its ruling last week, the International Court of Justice in The Hague did not accept South Africa’s claims that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and did not order a ceasefire, but it did issue a series of temporary orders requiring Israel to minimize harm to civilians and infrastructure in Gaza and to allow the entry of humanitarian aid. In your opinion, with regard to Israel, is this ruling lenient or harsh? (Israel Democracy Institute, January 28–30, 2024)

	Jews	Arabs
Harsh	50%	19%
Lenient	39%	46%
DK	11%	35%

So far, to what extent is the State of Israel succeeding in meeting the two main goals for the war set by the government? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, December 2023, January 2024)

Toppling Hamas

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Very small extent	11%	28%	14%
Fairly small extent	19%	14%	18%
Moderate extent	38%	23%	36%
Fairly large extent	22%	10%	20%
Very large extent	8%	3%	7%
DK	3%	21%	4%

Bringing the hostages home

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Very small extent	14%	29%	17%
Fairly small extent	27%	16%	25%
Moderate extent	42%	29%	39%
Fairly large extent	10%	8%	10%
Very large extent	4%	4%	4%
DK	3%	14%	5%

Do you support an agreement that includes the return of the hostages, establishment of a demilitarized Palestinian state and normalization with Saudi Arabia? (Midgam Institute, Mano Geva, January 2024)

Support	51%
Don’t support	29%
DK	20%

How they would like to see the situation three years from now? (Midgam Institute, Mano Geva, January 2024)

No Israeli troops in Gaz	51%
Continued Israeli military presence	32%
DK	18%

Are your feelings toward the United States since October 7 positive or negative? (Midgam Institute, Mano Geva, January 2024)

Positive

65%

Have your feelings toward the United States changed since October 7? (Midgam Institute, Mano Geva, January 2024)

Unchanged and remain good	38%
Changed for the better	26%
Changed for the worse	17%
Unchanged and remain negative	7%
DK	11%

According to reports, the United States is demanding that Israel shifts to a different phase of the war in Gaza, with an emphasis on reducing the heavy bombing of densely populated areas. Should Israel agree to this demand? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, December 2023)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Should	16%	56%	23%
Should not	75%	21%	66%

What do you think is the best way to bring about the release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, December 2023)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Continue the intensive fighting and try to have IDF forces free hostages	65%	12%	56%
Release all the Palestinian prisoners held by Israel in return for the release of all the hostages, even if this means agreeing to Hamas’s demand to halt the fighting	16%	63%	24%
DK	13%	25%	15%

In your opinion, should Israel have agreed to the current deal for the release of hostages, which includes (among other elements) a temporary ceasefire and the phased release of hostages (women and children only) in exchange for the release of three times as many female and juvenile Palestinian terrorists? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, November 27-30, 2023)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Certain it should have agreed	29%	47%	32%
Think it should have agreed	33%	25%	32%
Think it should not have agreed	17%	7%	15%
Certain it should not have agreed	9%	9%	9%
DK	13%	13%	13%

To what extent, if at all, do you feel a change in relations between Jews and Arabs in Israel since the start of the war? (INSS, November 16-19, 2023)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs
Feel a change for the better	12%	5%
Feel no change	29%	30%
Feel a change for the worse	51%	54%
DK	9%	11%

In your opinion, should the State of Israel conduct negotiations with Hamas for the release of kidnapped Israelis in return for the release of Hamas prisoners from Israeli prisons? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, October 15-17, 2023, November 5-6, 2023)

	October 2023			November 2023
	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Yes, immediately, even if it means halting the fighting	9%	60%	18%	10%	75%	21%
Yes, immediately, but don’t stop the fighting	37%	6%	32%	44%	6%	38%
Not right now; only at the end of the fighting	16%	7%	14%	12%	4%	10%
No	27%	7%	24%	27%	2%	22%
DK	10%	19%	12%	6%	13%	7%

To what extent did the government’s focus on advancing its judicial reforms affect the timing chosen by Hamas to carry out its attack on October 7: (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, November 5-6, 2023)

	2023
	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Not at all	17%	13%	16%
Not so much	10%	18%	11%
Quite a lot	26%	30%	26%
Very much	36%	30%	35%
DK	12%	9%	12%

To what extent did the government’s focus on advancing its judicial reforms affect Israel’s preparedness for such an attack: (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, November 5-6, 2023)

	2023
	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Not at all	16%	16%	16%
Not so much	12%	16%	13%
Quite a lot	20%	21%	20%
Very much	42%	35%	41%
DK	11%	12%	11%

How would you rate the resilience of the Israeli public during the war until now? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, November 5-6, 2023)

	2023
	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
High	90%	58%	84%
Low	7%	29%	10%
DK	3%	13%	5%

In your opinion, when the fighting in the Gaza Strip is over, what should Israel do? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, November 5-6, 2023)

	2023
	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Retain a military presence in the Gaza Strip for now and maintain security control	29%	7%	25%
Remain in the Gaza Strip and establish Jewish settlements there	30%	1%	25%
Leave the Gaza Strip and relinquish any economic or humanitarian responsibility for Gaza	33%	71%	40%
DK	7%	22%	10%

Should the military immediately escalate to a large-scale ground offensive? (Maariv, October 27, 2023)

	2023
Yes	29%
It would be better to wait	49%
Undecided	22%

To what extent do you think that Israel should take into consideration the suffering of the civilian Palestinian population in Gaza when planning the next phases of fighting there? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, October 15-17, 2023)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Not at all	48%	1%	40%
Not so much	36%	5%	31%
Quite a lot	8%	21%	10%
Very much	5%	62%	15%
DK	4%	11%	5%

Do you agree or disagree that when undertaking military operations, the IDF should ensure that it is not breaking international laws and rules of war? (Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, October 15-17, 2023)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	Total
Agree	48%	83%	54%
Disagree	46%	5%	39%
DK	7%	13%	7%

A few days ago Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said that Hamas, with its continuing provocations, is trying to drag Israel into a wide-scale military operation in Gaza. Do you agree or disagree with that assessment?

(The Peace Index, July 2018)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	General Public
Strongly agree	27.7%	22.3%	26.8%
Moderately agree	41.9%	12%	36.9%
Don’t agree so much	17.7%	19.6%	18%
Don’t agree at all	6.1%	33.8%	10.7%
Don’t know/decline to answer	6.6%	12.3%	7.5%

If Hamas violates the ceasefire, then in terms of Israel’s interests will it be a good move or not a good move, in your opinion, to launch a wide-scale military operation against Hamas in Gaza?
(The Peace Index, July 2018)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	General Public
I’m sure it would not be a good move	11.4%	47.3%	17.4%
I think it might not be a good move	19.6%	22.1%	20%
I think it would be a good move	34.9%	9.2%	30.6%
I’m sure it would be a good move	26.5%	6.9%	23.3%
Don’t know/decline to answer	7.7%	14.6%	8.8%

What, in your opinion, are the chances that in the coming year a war will break out between Israel and Hamas in Gaza?
(The Peace Index, June 2017)

	Israeli Jews	Israeli Arabs	General Public
Very low chances	6.3%	17.5%	8.2%
Moderately low chances	29.5%	15%	27.0%
Moderately high chances	40.4%	33.2%	39.2%
Very high chances	15.4%	26%	17.2%
Don’t know/decline to answer	8.4%	8.3%	8.3%

Would you be in support of a unilateral or bilateral cease-fire at this time? (The Jerusalem Post, July 29, 2014)


Would support a unilateral cease-fire	20%
Would support a bilateral cease-fire	33%

In your opinion, has Israel used an excessive amount of force against Hamas during Operation Protective Edge? (The Jerusalem Post, July 29, 2014)


Israel has used an excessive amount of force	<4%
Israel has used the appropriate amount of force	96%

In your opinion, should Israel launch an extensive ground operation today in Gaza in light of the rocket fire from Gaza to Israel? (Interdisciplinary Research and Consulting Institute Ltd, July 8th, 2014)


Yes	48%
No	41%
Don’t Know and Other	11%

Do you believe that the fighting between Israel and Palestinian groups in Gaza... (PIPA, November 26, 2012)

	All Israelis	Israeli Jews
will end for good only when there is a political final status agreement with the Palestinians	29%	27%
will end only through a major Israeli military campaign	15%	15%
will end only if Israel reoccupies Gaza	12%	13%
will not end	40%	42%
don’t know/refused	4%	--

Regarding what is happening these days, do you think Israel is better or worse off than before the escalation in the Gaza Strip front? (PIPA, November 26, 2012)

	All Israelis	Israeli Jews
better	36%	38%
worse	21%	16%
the same	38%	42%
don’t know/refused	5%	--

Who, in your opinion, won the combat in the Gaza Strip? (PIPA, November 26, 2012)

	All Israelis	Israeli Jews
Israel	40%	44%
Hamas	11%	10%
Neither	45%	44%
don’t know/refused	5%	--

Do you support signing a ceasefire with Hamas? (Channel 2, November 21, 2012)

Yes	24%
No	70%
Don’t know	6%

How long do you believe the ceasefire will hold? (Channel 2, November 21, 2012)

A short while	64%
Won’t last long	24%
For a long time	7%

Did Operation Pillar of Defense reinstate Israel’s deterrence? (Channel 2, November 21, 2012)

It has been strengthened	58%
It was weakened	15%
It hasn’t changed	26%

Should Israel launch a military operation in Gaza? (New Wave for Yisrael Hayom, November 1, 2011)

Yes	56.9%
No	28.7%
Don’t know	14.4%

Do you think the recent military operation of Israel in Gaza was stopped by Israel too early, too late, or in the right time? (Truman Research Institute/PCPSR, March 1-7, 2009)

Too early	66%
Too late	15%
In the right time	16%

Given the outcome of the Israeli operation in Gaza, do you believe Palestinians are better off, worse off, or about the same as they were before the operation? (Truman Research Institute/PCPSR, March 1-7, 2009)

Better off	16%
Worse off	58%
About the same	22%

In the aftermath of the Israeli operation in Gaza, what do you expect will happen between the two sides? (Truman Research Institute/PCPSR, March 1-7, 2009)

They will return to negotiations and armed confrontations will stop	7%
They will return to negotiations but some armed confrontations will continue	51%
Thew will not return to negotiations and armed confrontations will not stop	40%

On a scale of 1 (very disappointed) to 5 (very satisfied), how would you rate your feelings of the results of Operation Cast Lead? (The Tami Steinmetz Center for Peace Research, Peace Index - February 2009)

1- Very disappointed	20.1%
2	13.0%
3	28.8%
4	18.7%
5- Very satisfied	15.4%
No opinion/I don’t know	4.0%

Which of the following statements do you agree with most regarding your opinion of Operation Cast Lead? (The Tami Steinmetz Center for Peace Research, Peace Index - February 2009)

Israel should have continued the operation until Hamas surrendered rather than give in to the international pressure to stop the fighting	56.2%
The operation ended at the right time based on the circumstances	21.7%
The operation should have ended earlier, after the air operations	15.1%
No opinion/I don’t know	7.0%

Do you think Israel should or should not negotiate with Hamas? (The Tami Steinmetz Center for Peace Research, Peace Index - February 2009)

Support negotiations	45.2%
Oppose negotiations	50.7%
No opinion/I don’t know	4.2%

Do generally support or oppose IDF Operation Cast Lead? (Independent Media Review & Analysis, Tel Aviv University, TNS Polling; January 2, 2009; January 4-6, 2009; January 9, 2009)

	January 2, 2009	January 4-6, 2009	January 9, 2009
Support	93.1%	94.2%	91.4%
Oppose	3.9%	3.2%	3.8%
I don’t know/No answer	3%	2.6%	4.8%

What do you think are the chances that IDF Operation Cast Lead will achieve all of its objectives? (Tel Aviv University, January 4-6, 2009)

Very low chance	6%
Fairly low chance	14.7%
Fairly high chance	51.7%
Very high chance	18.5%
I don’t know/No answer	9.1%

Do you think the air force attacks in Gaza are justified or not justified in light of the destruction of infrastructure and suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip that they are causing? (Tel Aviv University, January 4-6, 2009)

Justified	91.7%
Not justified	6%
I don’t know/No answer	2.4%

Does IDF Operation Cast Lead benefit or harm Israel from a security perspective? (Tel Aviv University, January 4-6, 2009)

Benefit	91.6%
Harm	4%
I don’t know/No answer	4.4%

On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident are you in each of the following in their leadership role during IDF Operation Cast Lead? (Tel Aviv University, January 4-6, 2009)

	Ehud Olmert	Ehud Barak	Tzipi Livni	Binyamin Netanyahu	Shimon Peres	Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi
1- No confidence	18.7%	9.9%	13.1%	15.5%	11.1%	2.8%
2	8.3%	5.4%	7%	6%	5%	1.6%
3- Medium confidence	25%	19.9%	23.1%	19.3%	14.7%	6%
4	16.9%	20.7%	20.1%	16.7%	15.1%	10.3%
5- Full confidence	27%	41.4%	33%	36.4%	47.7%	74.8%
I don’t know/No answer	4%	2.8%	3.8%	6.2%	6.4%	4.6%

Should the IDF continue the battle in Gaza or has the time come for a ceasefire? (Independent Media Review & Analysis; December 30, 2008; January 6, 2009)

	December 30, 2008	January 6, 2009
Continue	81%	70%
Ceasefire	10%	20%
Other replies	9%	10%

After five days of battle against Hamas, what do you think Israel should do now? (Independent Media Review & Analysis; January 2, 2009)

Air operation only	39.6%
Ground operation	41.8%
Ceasefire now	9.3%

Is Prime Minister Ehud Olmert handling the war in Gaza today better or worse than he managed the Second Lebanon War? (Independent Media Review & Analysis; December 31, 2008)

Better	64%
Worse	7%
No significant difference	9%
Don’t know/other replies	20%

Do you support a military operation in the Gaza Strip? (Midgam; December 24, 2008)

Support	60%
Oppose	23%
Don’t know/other replies	17%

Do you support a ground operation in the Gaza Strip that may cause losses among IDF soldiers? (Dialogue, Ha’aretz; December 23, 2008)

Support	ssss
Do not support
Don’t know/other replies