New Surveys Show Growing Israeli Consensus on Gaza, Judea and Samaria

Public opinion polls conducted by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) indicate a shift in Israeli attitudes regarding major policy issues, particularly concerning Gaza and Judea and Samaria. The findings show that on multiple points once considered highly divisive within Israeli society, there is now broader agreement—something Dr. Shuki Friedman, director of JPPI, sees as “an opportunity for Israeli society to move beyond this divide and focus on pressing domestic issues. The traditional split between right and center is becoming less relevant, allowing for a unified Zionist approach.”

Judea and Samaria: Unexpected Consensus

The strongest consensus emerged regarding the likelihood of achieving peace with the Palestinians in the foreseeable future: more than 85% of the Jewish population believes there is little or no chance, while even among Israeli Arabs, 40% share this view. Only 8% of Jews and 31% of Arabs believe there is a good chance for peace in the near future.

Survey on Judea and Samaria | Jewish People Policy Institute

Nearly half of Jewish respondents expressed support for expanding settlements and increasing control over the Palestinian population, including weakening or even dismantling the Palestinian Authority and advancing annexation policies. The most notable shift is in attitudes toward settlements, with approximately 60% of Israeli Jews agreeing that settlements in Judea and Samaria contribute to Israel’s security. Only about a third of Israelis still consider settlements a security burden.

Gaza Strip: Support for a Deal

Regarding Gaza, about 70% of Israelis support fully completing the hostage deal while postponing decisions about Hamas’ future rule in the region. Only around 20% of the general public, and about 25% of the Jewish population, prefer stopping the hostage deal to resume fighting in Gaza to overthrow Hamas. Among specific sectors, the religious Zionist community is the most supportive of resuming military operations, with 76% in favor. According to JPPI, public support for a deal has been steadily rising, including among Likud voters.

Gazans Waiting at Nitzanim Corridor | Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib / Flash90

Trump’s Gaza Plan Losing Momentum

Support for the “Trump Plan” for Gaza has been declining in polls, with the percentage of Israelis believing in its feasibility dropping from 43% last month to 32% this month. However, over 60% of the Israeli public still officially supports its implementation, although these numbers are also on a downward trend. About 25% of the Jewish population, and a large majority of the Arab population, view the plan as either a distraction or unethical.