Israeli Public Opinion Shifts: Growing Calls for Hostage Deal, Protests Mount Over Gaza Strategy
Israeli Public Opinion Shifts: Growing Calls for Hostage Deal, Protests Mount Over Gaza Strategy
Domestic criticism of Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip is intensifying, marked by recent large-scale protests and significant shifts in public opinion, according to new surveys.
Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets over the weekend in some of the largest demonstrations against the ongoing military operation. A key driver of this discontent is the plight of approximately 50 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, with families expressing grave fears that intensified military action could further endanger their loved ones.
Recent polling underscores a dramatic shift in priorities. A mid-July 2025 survey by Channel 12 revealed that 74% of Israelis now support reaching an agreement with Hamas to free all hostages and end fighting in Gaza. This marks a substantial increase from mid-October 2023, when only 17% favored negotiation even if it meant ending hostilities.
While the desire to secure hostages’ release and protect Israeli soldiers’ lives is growing, other research indicates a continued lack of sympathy for Palestinian suffering. An Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) survey from late July 2025 found that 79% of Jewish Israelis were not troubled, or not very troubled, by reports of famine and suffering among the Palestinian population in Gaza. This contrasts sharply with Arab Israelis, 86% of whom expressed significant concern.
Furthermore, broader attitudes towards the conflict’s resolution are evolving. A Pew Research Center survey from May 2025 noted a drop in support for Israel governing Gaza post-conflict, falling from 40% last May to 30% this May. However, a March 2025 poll by Tamir Sorek indicated that 82% of Jewish Israelis could envision Palestinians being completely expelled from Gaza, suggesting that what were once considered extremist views are gaining mainstream acceptance. Another March 2025 Pew poll found only 21% of Israelis believe Israel and a Palestinian state can coexist peacefully, the lowest percentage since 2013.
As protests grow and public opinion continues to shift, the Netanyahu government faces increasing pressure to address the complex priorities of securing hostages, protecting soldiers, and navigating the future of the Gaza conflict amidst deep internal divisions.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.