55% of Israelis support a hostage deal, but a significant majority of the Jewish public opposes a partial deal and is even more opposed to allowing Hamas to remain in power in Gaza.
55% of Israelis support a hostage deal, but a significant majority of the Jewish public opposes a partial deal (59%) and is even more opposed to allowing Hamas to remain in power in Gaza (73%).
The Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) has released preliminary findings from its latest survey examining public attitudes in Israel regarding the ongoing war and a potential hostage deal.
The survey reveals general support among the broader Israeli public for a deal, including acceptance of Hamas’ demands:
55% of Israelis (Jews and Arabs)* believe that “agreeing to Hamas’ demands to secure the hostages is acceptable because Israel can resume fighting afterward.”
*37% of Jews* and *14% of Arabs* prefer the stance that “Israel should not agree to demands that would force it to halt the war and allow Hamas to survive, as resuming the war may not be feasible.”
Despite this general support, attitudes shift when specific conditions and costs of a deal are examined:
– A *vast majority of the Jewish public (73%)*, including supporters of nearly all Jewish political parties, opposes allowing Hamas to remain in power.
– *59% of Jewish respondents* oppose a “partial release deal,” the current version reportedly under negotiation. Opposition crosses ideological lines and party affiliations.
Nevertheless, some conditions appear more acceptable to the Jewish public:
64% support releasing terrorists with “blood on their hands.”*
Many respondents also express conditional support for ending the war, potentially assuming Israel could resume hostilities later if necessary.
Opinions remain divided on other matters:
A narrow majority opposes a complete withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza.
A small majority supports relinquishing control over the Philadelphi Route as part of a deal.
Political perspectives significantly influence these views, with the right and right-center opposing withdrawal, while center and left groups are more inclined to support it.
JPPI President, Prof. Yedidia Stern: “The Israeli public is deeply sensitive to the plight of the hostages and therefore expresses principled support for a deal, even at the cost of ending the war and releasing hundreds of terrorists. However, despite this support, there is widespread opposition among Jews to allowing Hamas to remain in power or accepting a deal that releases only some hostages.
It appears that reconciling these conflicting public preferences will be challenging. The only feasible path may be offering an alternative to Hamas rule—something the government has not pursued—and insisting on a full deal, something Hamas reportedly resists. The Israeli Prime Minister, responsible for bringing back the hostages, must consider these findings in his dealings both domestically and with Hamas and mediators.”
The full survey results will be published next week on the JPPI website.