A new public opinion survey reveals that a significant majority of Israelis support military action against Hezbollah, even if it risks direct confrontation with Iran, and express deep distrust in ceasefire agreements with terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah. The findings, from a survey conducted by the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs and Security in cooperation with Lazar Research, led by Dr. Menachem Lazar, underscore a hawkish national security posture following the October 7 attack.
The survey found that 56% of Israelis support military action against Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy force, even if such an operation could lead to direct confrontation with the Islamic Republic of Iran. This reflects a clear public mandate for proactive defense against the Iranian axis of terror.
A substantial 79% of respondents stated they do not trust ceasefires with Hamas and Hezbollah, believing that such agreements do not ensure Israel’s long-term security. This widespread skepticism highlights a national rejection of appeasement with groups committed to Israel's destruction.
On the critical issue of Palestinian statehood, 66% of Israelis expressed opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state. This figure has remained largely unchanged since the October 7 attack, indicating a hardened stance against proposals perceived as existential threats to Jewish sovereignty.
Responding to the Iranian Axis
The survey also measured attitudes towards US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, a proposed framework for the enclave’s future governance. It found that 57% of Israelis support the plan, though this represents a decrease from 69% one year ago. The shift suggests a public seeking even more robust security guarantees.
Respondents expressed broad support for maintaining strategic security zones, preserving Israel’s operational freedom along its borders, and continuing operations against regional threats. These positions reflect a national consensus on the necessity of independent self-defense against a hostile environment.
Dr. Dan Diker, president of the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs and Security, commented on the findings, stating they reflect a public that has become more cautious and security-focused since the October 7 attack. He emphasized that the Israeli public is deeply influenced by the lessons of the second anniversary of the October 7 attack and the ongoing security reality in the region.
Prioritizing Self-Defense
Dr. Diker further elaborated that Israelis are seeking real security rather than promises, and are showing increasing skepticism toward arrangements that are not based on Israel’s independent ability to defend itself. This underscores a national determination to control its own destiny in the face of persistent threats.
He concluded that the central message emerging from the survey is that most of the Israeli public prefers deterrence, security control, and independent operational capability over reliance on external guarantees. This preference for self-reliance is a direct response to the perceived failures of international frameworks and the ongoing threats from Islamist forces.
These positions, Dr. Diker noted, are evident both in relation to the Iranian and Hezbollah threats, in relation to ceasefires with terrorist groups, and in relation to the issue of a Palestinian state. The survey provides a clear picture of an Israeli public united in its demand for uncompromising security.