60% of Israelis say exchange deal priority over Philadelphi Corridor
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Israeli Channel 12 has revealed that the majority of Israelis prioritize a prisoner exchange deal over the occupation of the Philadelphi Corridor, contradicting the policies of the current government.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a press conference at the Government Press office in occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, on September 4, 2024. (AP)
The majority of Israeli settlers believe that a prisoner exchange deal with the Palestinian Resistance should take precedence over Israeli troops occupying the Philadelphi Corridor.
A poll conducted by Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 has found that only 28% of Israeli settlers found that the occupation of the Phildalephi Axis was more important than a prisoner swap. Another 12% said that they don't know, while 60% said that they prefer the completion of a prisoner exchange deal.
In the southernmost areas of the Gaza Strip, on the Palestinian side of the Palestinian-Egyptian border in the besieged territory, Israeli occupation forces occupy several points along the route known as the Philadelphi Corridor.
The Israeli regime's obstruction of ceasefire negotiations has been attributed to its occupation of this axis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's tactics in mediated negotiations and his insistence on maintaining an Israeli military presence in the Gaza Strip are said to have derailed talks on multiple occasions since May this year.
Moreover, the death of six Israeli captives last Sunday has led to immense backlash targeting the government, which is accused of neglecting the prisoner exchange file and prioritizing the occupation of the Philadelphi Corridor.
The recently published poll offers insight into the current mood of Israeli communities after several protests were organized to demand the release of captives.
As for their evaluation of the government's actions, 61% of respondents said the government is not doing all it can to bring the captives home, 34% said it is, and 5% said that they do not know.
Read more: 'The Bloody Document': How Netanyahu's tactics killed Israeli captives
Israelis don't trust Netanyahu
When asked about Netanyahu's insistence on the occupation of the Philadelphi Corridor, the majority of respondents said he is doing so for his own political considerations.
Analysts believe that Netanyahu is avoiding a ceasefire agreement as it would mark the beginning of the end of his political career, as a substantial portion of Israelis, as evidenced in the poll, believe that he is to blame for the security failure on October 7, 2023.
Nearly half of Israelis, 43%, hold Prime Minister Netanyahu primarily responsible for the events of October 7, followed by 18% pointing to Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, 14% blaming Shin Bet Chief Ronan Bar, and 6% attributing responsibility to Security Minister Yoav Gallant.
In further detail, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennet was selected as the most trusted opposition candidate over Netanyahu. 44% of respondents said that they trust Bennet over Netanyahu, 41% trust opposition member Benny Gantz over Netanyahu, and 35% trust opposition Leader, Yair Lapid, over Netanyahu.
Read more: Israeli protesters organize mock funeral for captives killed in Gaza
Most Israelis oppose Ben-Gvir policies in al-Aqsa
The Israeli broadcaster also asked Israelis about the policies of far-right Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who is attempting to formally change the status quo in the al-Aqsa Mosque Compound.
The Israelis refer to the area as "Temple Mount", and Israeli settlers have been increasingly storming the religious site under the protection of Israeli occupation forces. These actions have been actively endorsed by Ben-Gvir, who has personally participated in several of these provocative entries into the Islamic holy site.
On the other hand, 68% of Israelis opposed provocative actions, including Jewish prayers, at the site, and thus changing the existing situation.
Read more: Ben-Gvir says Palestinians 'should be shot in the head'
