60% of Israelis see threats of civil war: Poll

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
4 Apr 2025 10:31
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A survey found that 60% of Israelis agree with warnings of an impending civil war, while food insecurity affects 1.5 million settlers, contributing to significant economic losses in the occupied land.

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People protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government outside the Knesset in occupied al-Quds on March 31, 2025. (AP)

"Israel's" Channel 7 reported on a survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute, the "Israeli Society Index," which gauged Israeli reactions to statements made by former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak, who warned of the potential for civil war in "Israel".

The survey revealed that 27% of Israelis agreed with Aharon Barak's warning, stating he "was right," while 33% acknowledged his concerns but felt he "exaggerated a little, though the real danger is there." On the other hand, 21% believed Barak "exaggerated greatly" and that civil war was not imminent, while 16% felt there was "no danger of a civil war in Israel."

The poll also explored opinions on the legitimacy of dismissing the Shin Bet chief and whether the government should comply with Supreme Court rulings if it intervenes in the dismissal. A majority, 51%, believed that "there should be no interference in the dismissal."

Dr. Shuki Friedman, Director General of the Jewish People Policy Institute, commented, “As we approach Passover, a time traditionally focused on unity, the data shows that Israelis are deeply concerned about the potential for escalating internal conflict.”

Food insecurity

In another report, the Leket Israel Association revealed that 1.5 million Israelis faced food insecurity, with 2.6 million tons of food wasted in 2023, valued at 24.3 billion shekels (approximately $7 billion). This marks a 3% increase in food waste from the previous year, highlighting a growing crisis in "Israel’s" food sector.

Official statistics indicate that food loss represents 1.3% of domestic production, which corresponds to 38% of the total food produced in "Israel".

The wars on Gaza and Lebanon have also had a considerable economic impact, with Israeli media estimating losses of 1.6 billion shekels ($450 million), including 370 million shekels in health-related costs due to the worsening food crisis.

'Israel' on the brink of civil war

Talks about a civil war in "Israel" have been looming for a while.

Late last month, Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, met with "Justice" Minister Yariv Levin on March 26 as Knesset deliberations continued over changes to the committee responsible for selecting judges. According to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, this amendment is a key pillar of the controversial judicial reforms.

During the meeting, Gantz urged Levin to halt the legislation, warning that "Israel is on the brink of civil war." However, Levin refused to relent. Sources close to him argued that the proposal “intended to heal the rift in the nation."

Meanwhile, Gantz sent Netanyahu a letter, urging him to reconsider the divisive amendments. In protest of the legislation’s passage without broad consensus, opposition parties signaled a possible boycott of the third and final voting session.

According to quotes published by Channel 12, Gantz wrote to Netanyahu, "I’m appealing to you as someone who bears the responsibility of acting on behalf of all citizens of this country."

It is worth noting that divisions within the occupation entity have intensified following Netanyahu's decision to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, the Supreme Court's temporary freeze on that decision, and the government's unanimous vote of no confidence in Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

These actions have sparked widespread public outrage.