Only 15% supporters left with Netanyahu : Poll shows
A recent poll revealed that only 15% of Israelis wish for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remain in office after the conclusion of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. However, a significant number still support his approach in crushing the militants in the Palestinian enclave. The survey, conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) between December 25-28 with 746 respondents and a 95% confidence level, also indicated that 69% of Israelis believe elections should be held promptly after the war concludes.
Netanyahu, expressing that victory would take months, has experienced a decline in popularity since the surprise October attack by Hamas, resulting in the deadliest day in Israel’s history. Following the October 7 rampage by Hamas in southern Israel, where 1,200 people were killed and 240 abducted to Gaza, Israeli forces have extensively damaged Gaza in their nearly three-month retaliatory offensive.
Most Israelis want military operations to continue
Netanyahu’s commitment to crushing Hamas, especially after the release of around 100 hostages in late November, is linked to the ongoing military pressure. According to the IDI poll, 56% of respondents believe that continuing the military offensive is the most effective way to recover the remaining 129 hostages, while 24% favor a swap deal involving the release of thousands more Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
The war has taken a significant toll, with over 22,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza health officials, and a large portion of the population displaced. Israel claims to have killed approximately 8,000 Palestinian fighters and is determined to pursue Hamas leaders.
More to read: Russia detained thousands of migrants across the country on NYE
Despite these circumstances, the poll indicates that only 15% of respondents prefer Netanyahu as the prime minister post-war. Benny Gantz, Netanyahu’s political rival and current war cabinet partner, received support from 23% of interviewees, while about 30% did not express a preference for a leader.