Israelis war-weary but most oppose Iran ceasefire, poll suggests
Israelis war-weary but most oppose Iran ceasefire, poll suggests
Amid the aftermath of a missile strike that left her apartment in Tel Aviv with shattered windows and damaged walls, Liat Zvi expresses a shared sense of exhaustion among her countrymen. “It’s draining… we’ve been in this war for over two years and it feels like we’re just going through another cycle,” she says. Six weeks prior, the missile attack had targeted her neighborhood, marking the first casualties in Israel during the conflict with Iran. A 32-year-old Filipina carer, Mary Anne Velasquez de Vera, lost her life in the blast, which evaded Israel’s layered air defenses. Now, as the current truce between Washington and Tehran remains fragile, Zvi questions the war’s impact and struggles to envision a peaceful future.
Polling Results Show Division
A recent survey by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem highlights a growing weariness in Israeli society. Yet, it also reveals that two-thirds of respondents support maintaining the fragile ceasefire. The poll, conducted with 1,312 Israelis (including 1,084 Jews and 228 Arabs) in late April, indicates most believe neither Iran nor Hezbollah have been significantly weakened by the recent strikes. A third of participants described their feelings as “despair,” with “confusion” and “anger” following closely. “Hope” ranked fourth, showing a glimmer of optimism amid the turmoil.
“If we don’t eliminate Iran’s support for its proxies here, then this ceasefire means nothing,” Zvi says, reflecting on the broader conflict. “You have to arrive at the table with strength.”
Despite skepticism about the war’s effectiveness, public opinion is split on whether Israel should continue targeting Iran. Nearly 40% of respondents argue that attacks on Tehran must persist, while 41.4% advocate for respecting the current pause. The divide is especially stark when considering the Arab community: less than a fifth of Arab participants support resuming strikes, underscoring a persistent rift between Israel’s majority and minority groups.
Netanyahu’s War Goals
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially framed the conflict as a mission to dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions, destroy its missile infrastructure, and achieve regime change. However, his critics claim these objectives remain unmet. While he celebrates “huge achievements” and the shift in the Middle East’s dynamics, many Israelis are left questioning whether the cost has justified the outcomes.
The ceasefire’s inclusion of Lebanon has sparked further debate. Most Israelis agree that the northern border conflict with Hezbollah should continue independently. Israel, backed by the U.S., insists the threat from Hezbollah must be eradicated, while Lebanon and Iran argue the group should be part of the deal. The recent strikes in Lebanon reportedly killed over 350 individuals, including a third who were women and children, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
Upcoming Talks in Washington
Direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel are set to take place in Washington, DC, but few expect them to resolve the ongoing tensions. The talks, which have no formal diplomatic ties, represent progress in itself, yet analysts doubt they will produce major breakthroughs. Netanyahu only agreed to the discussions after being advised by President Trump to reduce attacks on Lebanon following the ceasefire’s initiation.
“Give Peace a Chance” reads a hand-written sign on Zvi’s balcony, a symbol of her hope for resolution. However, she remains firm in her belief that peace must come after Hezbollah relinquishes its arms. “The Lebanon fighting shouldn’t end unless they give up their weapons,” she asserts, highlighting the complex interplay of regional security and political will.
