A new poll by Walla media (owned by The Jerusalem Post) reveals a stark contrast in Israeli public opinion regarding regional conflicts. The survey shows 62% of Israelis support their government striking a deal with Hamas to secure the release of remaining hostages in Gaza and end the 20-month war. However, only 33% back the recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Iran, while 52% oppose it. This divide reflects competing priorities: securing captive returns amid Gaza’s humanitarian crisis versus skepticism toward diplomatic solutions with Iran following mutual attacks.
The overwhelming support for a Hamas deal aligns with growing domestic pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu. Families of hostages have led mass protests demanding urgent government action, with many Israelis viewing prisoner exchanges as the only path to reunite families. Hamas has previously demanded a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and Palestinian prisoner releases—terms Netanyahu publicly rejects despite the poll’s findings. Analysts suggest the public’s stance may stem from exhaustion with the war’s toll: over 56,000 Palestinian deaths, widespread famine, and mounting Israeli military casualties.
Opposition to the Iran truce follows weeks of heightened tensions, including Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iranian missile barrages. Many Israelis distrust Tehran’s commitments, citing its accelerated nuclear activities and parliament’s recent vote to suspend cooperation with the UN atomic watchdog. While the ceasefire has held since June 24, critics argue it failed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities—a view reinforced by U.S. intelligence assessments that strikes only set the program back “by months,” contradicting Trump’s claims of “decades-long” setbacks.
The poll underscores a broader shift in Israeli attitudes. Only 21% now believe peaceful coexistence with a Palestinian state is possible—a record low. Meanwhile, support for Israeli control of Gaza has dropped to 33%, with more backing Palestinian self-governance. As Netanyahu grapples with coalition hardliners opposing concessions, the data signals a public prioritizing hostage recovery over ideological victories. With Gaza’s health system collapsing and 14 Palestinians killed near aid sites this week alone, international pressure for a deal continues mounting.