Israeli Public Opinion Prior to Bibi Speech

This survey conducted by INSS provides a good backdrop to the speech from Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to the nation tonight. The speech will address the two-state solution and potential either solidify or fragment the Likud-led coalition. Moreover, as the United States continues pressuring Israel to freeze all settlement activity, in direct contradiction to Netanyahu’s historic stance on settlements, the speech may include a shift in Israel’s policy. Regardless, Netanyahu will speak to the Israeli population and the data from this survey indicates some interesting trends. For example:

1. An even split on settlement expansion, with 42-percent opposed and 41-percent in favor;
2. 57-percent support removal of unauthorized settlements by force and only 25-percent opposed;
3. 64-percent in favor of ‘two states for two people’;
4. Only 18-percent support direct or indirect dialogue with Hamas with a majority of Israelis in favor of continued diplomatic and military measures;
5. 50-percent support a military strike on Iran while a vast majority, 82-percent, say that a nuclear Iran would not affect their lives.

This findings indicate that although the country voted unequivocally for right-wing parties in the last election, the Israeli mentality remains pro-peace with the Palestinians, including a two-state solution. Israelis understand the need to end settlement activity and establish a viable peace process. However, Israelis still fear that the viability of this outcome remains questionable and feel jaded by failed past peace efforts. Israelis generally doubt that any peace process can occur with the current leaders in the Palestinian Authority.