JPPI Poll: Israeli Jews prefer defeating Hamas to only freeing the hostages by 2:1

A new poll conducted by the Jewish People Policy Institute shows Israeli Jews support defeating Hamas over freeing the hostages, if given only one as an option, by a ratio of 2:1 - 47-25.

The poll showed an interesting divergence within the Israeli Jewish population: those who identify as traditional, religious, or Charedi supported defeating Hamas by at least more than 80%, while those who defined themselves as secular were evenly split - 51-49 in favor of releasing the hostages and leaving Hamas in power.

The number certain of ultimate victory in Gaza has meanwhile declined from 74% in October to 54% in February. 24% are uncertain while 22% are in between the two.

On the question of when to hold elections, 66% of voters for the coalition bloc support elections on the set date. Meanwhile, 55% of voters for opposition parties want early elections called now.