Survey reveals: Majority of Israelis back resuming Gaza war after Hamas rejects U.S. deal

Conducted by Shlomo Filber and Tzuriel Sharon through Direct Polls Ltd. for Israel’s Now 14 channel, the survey underscores a significant public shift toward a harder stance as the conflict drags on. With 59% of respondents supporting a resumption of fighting, 38% opposing it, and 3% undecided, the findings highlight a nation grappling with frustration and resolve in equal measure.

The survey, carried out digitally with a representative panel of 506 Israeli adults aged 18 and older, boasts a statistical margin of error of ±4.5% at a 95% confidence level. Its timing is telling—Hamas’ dismissal of the American framework has evidently struck a nerve, reigniting debate over Israel’s next steps. The 59% who back renewed combat see it as a necessary response to Hamas’ intransigence, reflecting a belief that only force can secure Israel’s goals, such as dismantling the group’s capabilities or pressuring it into compliance. Meanwhile, the 38% opposed signal a sizable minority wary of further escalation, perhaps mindful of the war’s toll or hopeful for diplomatic alternatives. The 3% without a stance suggest lingering uncertainty in a polarized landscape.

This poll arrives amid heightened tensions, with Israel’s leadership under scrutiny for its handling of the war and hostage crisis. The public’s tilt toward action could pressure the government to pivot from stalled negotiations to military momentum, though the 38% dissent cautions against a blank check for war. As of March 17, 2025, with no breakthrough in sight, these numbers speak volumes: Israelis are ready to fight, but not without division. Whether Jerusalem heeds this call or charts a different course remains the burning question.