Significant majority of Israelis prefer deal over continued war: Poll

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
16 Nov 2024 04:54

The majority of Israeli settlers believe that a prisoner exchange deal has been put off due to political and not substantive issues.

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Israeli settlers block a highway during a protest after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed his security minister Yoav Gallant, in Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, on November 5, 2024. (AP)

A significant majority of Israeli settlers favor a prisoner-exchange deal with the Palestinian Resistance to bring an end to the ongoing war in Gaza over the current policies of the Israeli government.

A recent poll aired on Israeli Channel 12 showed that 69% of respondents saw that securing a deal should take precedence over continuing the government's military campaign. Only 20% of settlers supported a prolonged "conflict" and 11% said they were undecided on the matter.

Support for a prisoner-exchange agreement extends even to Likud voters, where 46% back a deal to end the war, 36% prefer continuing the military operations, and 18% remain unsure. It is worth noting the Likud Party is headed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The survey also explored public perceptions regarding the delay in finalizing an agreement, more than a year after Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

According to the poll, 52% of respondents attribute the delay to political factors, while 36% believe substantive issues are to blame. Another 12% were uncertain about the reasons behind the lack of progress.

In terms of popularity among Israeli voters, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett emerged as the top choice among respondents, followed by current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Benny Gantz secured third place, while opposition leader Yair Lapid ranked fourth.

Netanyahu has struggled to gain favor among settlers, largely due to his government's repeated missteps and mismanagement of several critical domestic and security issues.