Israelis prioritise return of hostages over defeating Hamas, poll finds

A new poll reveals that 66 per cent of Israelis prioritise the return of hostages over the defeat of Hamas in Gaza, exposing a growing rift between public opinion and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The survey by Hebrew University’s aChord Centre reveals a stark political divide, with 86 per cent of opposition party voters prioritising the return of hostages compared with just 55 per cent among supporters of the coalition government.

The poll, conducted during President Donald Trump’s inauguration, also shows significant support for his regional vision for peace over plans of the far-right Israeli government to annex the occupied West Bank. Sixty per cent of respondents backed Trump’s proposal for Saudi normalisation and Palestinian statehood, while 31 per cent favoured annexation of the West Bank.

READ: Hamas indicates readiness for talks on second round of Gaza truce

Trump’s so-called peace plan, however, is unclear and many people fear that he will seek to push through the Abraham Accords with the Saudis while giving Israelis the green-light to annex the West Bank in violation of international law. Riyadh has thus far rejected any peace proposal that does not lead to Palestinians having their own state.

Despite broad public support for the recovery of hostages, with 86 per cent believing Israel has a moral obligation to do everything possible for their return, concerns persist about the current ceasefire deal. While 62 per cent support the first stage of the deal, only 52 per cent favour proceeding to stage two, which would require a permanent end to hostilities. Again, political divisions are evident, with 78 per cent of opposition voters supporting the second stage compared with 35 per cent of those who support the coalition government led by Netanyahu.

Hebrew University psychology Professor Eran Halperin noted that while there has been “a sharp shift toward extremism,” referring to Israeli society, there is also “pragmatism and a growing sense of urgency for a solution.”

The findings come as Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from hostage families who accuse him of prioritising his political survival and the destruction of Hamas over securing the release of their loved ones.

Hamas is widely expected to remain in power, a fact that will be seen universally as a shameful defeat for Israel.

READ: Israel continues to shell Gaza, kill Palestinians despite ceasefire deal