Poll shows most Israelis doubt Gaza war will return captives

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
Today 05:08

A new poll finds that most Israelis doubt the current war on Gaza will achieve its stated goals of freeing captives or defeating Hamas.

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Poll shows most Israelis doubt Gaza war will free captives

A new poll by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) reveals that most Israelis no longer believe the ongoing military operation in Gaza will achieve its central goals—securing Israeli captives or toppling the Palestinian resistance.

The survey, conducted between May 26 and 29, comes amid the "Chariots of Gideon" offensive, a campaign that has drawn international condemnation for its devastating impact on Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

Majority doubt captives freeing or Hamas defeat

According to IDI's findings, only 37% of Israeli respondents think the war will lead to the return of captives held by Palestinian resistance groups. Similarly, 38.5% believe it will defeat Hamas and "end its governance" in the Gaza Strip.

Disillusionment is especially pronounced among Palestinians residing in the '48 occupied territories, with just 27.5% expecting the operation to secure the hostages' release, and only 31% believing it will bring an end to Hamas' presence in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s base also losing confidence

Notably, skepticism extends even to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s core supporters. Among those who voted for his Likud party in the 2022 elections, a mere 27% believe the military campaign will free the hostages, while only 31% think it will dismantle Hamas' authority.

The findings reflect mounting frustration within Israeli society over the prolonged war, which has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians, decimated Gaza's infrastructure, and failed to deliver on the Israeli leadership’s promises of "total victory."