Polls show the changing opinion of Israelis about a Palestinian state. Can you blame them?
In 2005, the majority of Israelis favored the establishment of a Palestinian state.
By 2013, just over 50% of Israeli Jews still favored a two-state solution, despite a growing wave of Palestinian terror attacks.
Just weeks before the horrors of Oct. 7, 2023, according to a Pew poll, it was already down to 32%.
According to a new poll, released by the Pew Research Center on May 30, 2024, only 19% of Israeli Jews believe that it is possible to live alongside a Palestinian state.
It would be interesting for Pew to hold a specific poll among the peacenik residents of the Gaza kibbutzim about their change in attitude toward accepting a Palestinian state both before and after Oct. 7.
I would anticipate that the vast majority -- at least 80% -- would acknowledge they wanted a two-state solution before Oct. 7.
It would be interesting to learn what they think today.
My instincts tell me it will be below 15%.
The result of these polls should be an eye-opener to the Biden administration and the European governments who have rushed to embrace recognition of a Palestinian state with emotions still red raw in Israel.
As of March 30, 2024, 76% of Jewish Israelis say Israel will achieve its goals -- the military elimination of Hamas and the return of the hostages -- only in the current war, and not by negotiations.
Barry Shaw is a Senior Associate for Public Diplomacy at the Israel Institute for Strategic Studies.
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