The poll reflected a shift toward deepening skepticism, with 44% left-wing voters, saying a peace deal was unlikely.
A new survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) reveals a significant shift in Israeli public opinion regarding the prospects for peace with the Palestinians. The “Israeli Society Index” indicates that 85% of Jewish Israelis believe there is no chance for a peace agreement in the foreseeable future, with 70% “strongly agreeing” with this sentiment. Among Arab citizens of Israel, 40% share this view, with 19% “strongly agreeing” and another 19% “somewhat agreeing.”
The findings show a growing skepticism, particularly among Jewish Israelis, about the viability of a long-term peace agreement. Compared to last year, there has been an increase in those who strongly believe that peace is unattainable. Even among left-wing voters, 44% agree that a peace deal is unlikely, while in all other political and religious segments, a clear majority supports this view.
Is There an Alternative to a Peace Agreement?
The survey also examined attitudes toward the necessity of a long-term peace agreement. Among Jewish Israelis, only 35% agree that “ultimately, there is no alternative to a long-term peace agreement with the Palestinians,” down from 43% last year. In contrast, a majority (55%) of Arab Israelis still believe that peace is essential, though a quarter disagree.
Among left-wing and center-left voters, a majority support the idea that peace is necessary, while 46% of centrist voters and 22% of center-right voters agree.
Declining Support for a Two-State Solution
The data suggests that more Jewish Israelis are shifting toward a hardline approach. Over the past six months, support for expanding Israeli control over Palestinian territories, increasing settlement activity, considering the dissolution of the Palestinian Authority, and even annexation of parts of the West Bank has grown. In October 2024, 34% of Jewish Israelis identified with this view; by March 2025, this figure had risen to 47%.
Conversely, support for negotiations toward a Palestinian state has declined. In October 2024, 19% of Jewish Israelis believed Israel should work toward a peace deal with moderate Palestinians. By March 2025, that number had dropped to just 11%.
Arab Israelis remain consistent in their views, with 63% favoring negotiations for a Palestinian state. However, 19% support a full separation from Palestinians, including dismantling certain settlements while ensuring Israel retains military control over security threats. A smaller segment (9%) supports expanding Israeli control.
Attitudes Toward Settlements
The survey also explored perceptions of Israeli settlements. A majority of Jewish Israelis (58%) believe settlements in the West Bank serve as a deterrent and contribute to national security. Similarly, 56% reject the claim that settlements are a burden on the military. However, 35% of Jewish Israelis still see settlements as a liability.
Arab Israelis overwhelmingly oppose settlements, with 63% viewing them as a burden and rejecting the idea that they enhance Israeli security.
Public Opinion on Hostage Deal and Gaza War
A majority of Israelis, both Jewish and Arab, continue to support completing a hostage deal before determining the fate of Hamas in Gaza. However, 25% of Jewish Israelis favor halting negotiations to resume military operations against Hamas. Among Arab Israelis, four out of five support prioritizing the hostage deal over further military action.
Support for completing the hostage deal has risen slightly since February 2025, increasing by 3% among Jewish Israelis and 5% among Arab Israelis. Among right-wing Israelis, opinions are more divided: 47% favor resuming military action after the first phase of the deal, while 34% prefer to complete the deal before deciding on further operations. Religious Zionist voters are the most in favor of returning to military operations, with 76% supporting this approach.
In contrast, secular and traditional Jewish Israelis predominantly support completing the hostage deal. Among Likud voters, 43% favor finishing the deal, compared to 33% who prefer immediate military action. Opposition party voters overwhelmingly support the deal, with 90% of National Unity, 100% of Yesh Atid, 82% of Yisrael Beiteinu, and 100% of The Democrats voters favoring its completion.
Gazan Emigration Proposal
Following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Gazans relocate to other countries, 62% of Israelis expressed support for the idea, though this marks a decline from the previous month. Notably, fewer Israelis now believe the plan is realistic—support for it as a “practical solution” dropped from 43% last month to 32% in March. Another 32% support the idea but doubt its feasibility.
One-fifth of Israelis (20%) consider the plan a distraction from more realistic solutions, while 13% (and only 3% of Jewish Israelis) regard it as immoral. Among Arab Israelis, a strong majority rejects the proposal as either impractical or unethical.
Support for Trump’s plan is highest among right-wing voters, with 71% viewing it as both desirable and practical. In centrist and center-right groups, support exists but is tempered by doubts about feasibility (39% and 22%, respectively). Among left-wing voters, a majority either dismiss the proposal as irrelevant (51%) or object on moral grounds (19%).
JPPI Director General, Dr. Shuki Friedman: “The survey results show that a large majority of Israelis believe that a solution to the ‘Palestinian issue’ and Israel’s control over Judea and Samaria is unlikely in the foreseeable future. This presents an opportunity for Israeli society to set aside this debate and focus on addressing urgent domestic issues. The traditional divide between the right and center is hardly relevant, making it possible to unite and act as a Zionist bloc to resolve issues such as drafting Haredim and integrating them into Israeli society.”
Survey Methodology
The data for the March JPPI survey was collected through “The Index” panel and the Afkar research firm. Findings were adjusted for voting patterns and religious affiliation to reflect the views of Israel’s adult population. The JPPI Israeli Society Index is edited by Shmuel Rosner and Noah Slepkov, with statistical analysis provided by Prof. David Steinberg.