Five months since the war began and residents of the north and south were evacuated from their homes, a new JPPI poll shows that most Israelis support launching a broad campaign against Hezbollah, and that Israelis do not believe in peace with the Palestinians for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, most of the Israeli public believe the government, IDF, and Shin Bet share responsibility for the failure to stop October 7.
According to the poll, 63% of Israelis believe Israel should strike Hezbollah in full force and harm the organization’s ability to endanger residents in the north. They are, however, divided as to the timing: some 29% believe Israel should strike Hezbollah as soon as possible, 34% believe in striking Lebanon after the campaign in Gaza ends, and just 28% prefer striving for a political solution that prevents escalation in the north.
The gap between voters for the coalition and the opposition on this matter are stark. Similar gaps are apparent in a JPPI poll conducted in January, which was formulated slightly differently. A large majority of coalition voters support an immediate offensive (40%) or an offensive at the end of the Gaza campaign (41%). By contrast, a small minority among voters of the opposition parties support a political solution (51%).
Pessimism about the “Day After”
The poll also revealed deep pessimism regarding the “day after” the Gaza campaign ends. 79% of Jews and 39% of Arabs agree that “there is no chance for a peace agreement in the foreseeable future.” Coalition voters broadly support strengthening Israeli control over Palestinians and expanding settlements, while supporters of the opposition tend to support separation from the Palestinians or striving for a political settlement.
43% of Jews support the statement “ultimately, there is no substitute for a long-term peace agreement with the Palestinians” – the large majority coming from voters for the opposition. Among coalition voters, just 14% agreed at least somewhat with this statement. 68% did not, and strongly.
The poll also looked at views regarding who bears responsibility for not stopping October 7. 44% believe the government, the IDF, and the Shin Bet share responsibility equally. 31% believe the IDF and Shin Bet bear the responsibility alone. 20% believe only the government bears responsibility.
