Israeli Public Sentiment One Year After Hamas Attack
New study reveals that Israeli public opinion remains deeply divided one year after the Hamas attack, with significant differences between Jewish and Arab citizens. While 37% of Israelis are optimistic about the country’s future, pessimism is widespread, especially among Arab Israelis. Internal divisions, particularly over religion and state issues, are seen as the biggest threat to Israel’s future, with many expressing disillusionments about societal cohesion and leadership. The study also highlights widespread support for a state inquiry into recent events.
A new research, led by Nimrod Nir from the Agam Lab at Hebrew University, offers a detailed examination of Israeli public opinion one year after the Hamas attack. Revisiting respondents who were surveyed at the onset of the conflict, the research paints a portrait of a nation grappling with deep emotions and divided perspectives about its future.
The findings reveal a near-even split in outlooks for Israel’s future, with 37% of Israelis expressing optimism, while 34% remain pessimistic. Notably, the data highlights a stark contrast between Jewish and Arab citizens: nearly 60% of Arab Israelis report feelings of pessimism, compared to just 14% who express optimism. These figures underscore the different experiences and expectations of various communities within the country.
Regarding future generations, fewer than one-third of Israelis believe their children will experience a better reality than their own. Alarmingly, about 20% of Israelis are contemplating emigration, while only half of Arab citizens definitively rule it out. These trends signal growing uncertainty about life in Israel.
The study also identifies internal division and polarisation as the greatest perceived threat to Israel, even as the country faces multi-front conflicts. A majority of Israelis believe the current conflict has deepened societal rifts, particularly on issues related to religion and the nature of the state. Disputes over these topics are seen as major sources of national polarisation.
When evaluating military operations, about 80% of respondents believe the northern campaign meets or exceeds expectations. In contrast, there is considerable disappointment with the progress in the south. More than half of Israelis view the release of hostages as the primary goal in the fight against Hamas, with over 70% supporting a deal to secure their release in exchange for halting military operations.
Trust in institutions continues to be a pressing issue, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) enjoying the highest level of public trust. A significant majority supports establishing a state commission of inquiry into recent events, with many feeling that failure to do so would endanger national security. Meanwhile, approximately two-thirds of Israelis believe Prime Minister Netanyahu should resign, and a similar proportion supports early elections for the Knesset.
Nimrod Nir commented, “Our findings reveal a nation at a critical juncture, balancing serious security threats while facing profound internal divisions. This data highlights the urgent need for both strategic action on security and renewed efforts to foster societal cohesion.”
Methodology: The study was prepared by Agam Labs at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The survey was conducted via the internet and by telephone between September 29 – October 1, 2024 with 2,542 men and women consisting of a nationally representative sample of the adult population in Israel aged 18 and over (Jews and Arabs). The margin of sampling error stands at +/-3.2%, affirming a confidence level of 99%. Field work was carried out by iPanel.
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