An Israel Hayom poll conducted to mark the 100 days of war shows that the Israeli public feels a bond with the IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari and the majority oppose the possibility of reinstating the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.
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The figures also show that there is a slim majority (53%) in favor of an agreement to release captives in exchange for terrorists. In the survey, conducted by the Maagar Mochot Institute on behalf of Israel Hayom, 505 individuals were asked to rate the conduct of key figures.
Some 83% said they approved of Hagari, while Netanyahu receives only a 40% approval rating, with 57% disapproved.
State Party Benny Gantz, who seems to have made the right choice by entering the government, gets a 67% approval rating compared to only 28% who disapprove.
Video: Six facts about the Israel-Hamas war in 90 seconds / X/@idf
Despite the central role played by Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi in addressing the lapses of October 7, 100 days after the war against Hamas, Israelis appear to be content with his performance: Some 71% approve, while 23% disapprove. Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai is also ranked high with 61% approving and of his job compared to 26% who disapprove..
Education Minister Yoav Kish, whose ministry facilitated the transfer of evacuees from their homes to hotels, receives mixed reviews. Some 36% disapprove, while 40% approve. Some 65% of respondents said they approved of President Isaac Herzog's conduct.
Concerns for politicians
In the political arena, Netanyahu's position appears better than that of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Itamar Minister Ben-Gvir. Some 62% disapprove of Smotrich's actions, and 85% disapprove of Ben-Gvir. When categorized by party affiliation, it seems that Netanyahu's position is better with Likud voters, but he is still at a perilous position. Only 45% of Likud voters expressed satisfaction with Netanyahu's performance, compared to 38% for Gantz and 48% for the IDF chief of Staff.
The situation of Netanyahu, Smotrich, and Ben Gvir teaches two things: First, they would not want an election to be called; second, to regain the trust of the public, they will need to implement a right-wing policy on the field, not just make warrior statements in the cabinet against the military echelon.
Perhaps due to what has transpired since the 2011 Schalit Deal, Israeli public opinion is not favorably inclined towards a dangerous prisoner exchange deal that would let terrorists with blood on their hands roam free.
Only 53% responded that they are in favor of such a deal compared to 47% against. The more right-wing a party is on the political map, the higher the number of opponents to a deal: Some 73% in the Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit factions were against a deal, while only 41% were against in Likud. Some 61% were in favor in Yesh Atid and similarly 59% in the State Party.
Doubts about control deals
Regarding the question of whether Israel will achieve the goals of the war – the release of all captives and the weakening of Hamas rule – only 36% believe the country will achieve these goals, while 64% believe it will not.
Asked if there is a need for action on the northern border or if it would be better to let the international community handle the situation, the majority, 69% said they were in favor of a military action that will eliminate the threat from the north.
As for the day-after question in Gaza and the involvement of the Palestinian Authority, it seems Netanyahu is in line with the mood among voters in Israel. Some 78% oppose having the PA rule in Gaza while only 22% are in favor.
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