Poll: Over 70% of Israelis Oppose Palestinian Statehood
A new poll conducted by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCPA) reveals that an overwhelming majority of Israelis, exceeding 70%, oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state. The survey also indicates that over 80% of Israelis fear a repeat of the October 7th Hamas attack originating from the West Bank.
Dr. Dan Diker, president of the JCPA, stated that these findings have been consistent since the October 7th attacks, with only minor fluctuations. He explained that the term 'another Palestinian state' is used because Gaza already experienced such a state, with devastating consequences. Diker highlighted the significant threat posed by tens of thousands of weapons held by the Palestinian Authority and other groups in the West Bank, a concern occasionally voiced by the IDF spokesperson.
Diker pointed out that the Israeli public's stance directly contradicts increasing pressure from the United States and Europe to establish a Palestinian state, which he views as a misguided solution to the October 7th massacre. The poll's data primarily reflects the views of the Jewish population, but when including the broader population, including Muslims, opposition to a Palestinian state still stands at 65-70%. Notably, there is significant opposition even within the Arab-Israeli population.
The JCPA president emphasized the importance of these poll results in reinforcing public demand to "cancel the catastrophic Oslo Accords" and solidify public opposition to returning to the Oslo framework. He believes this consensus will facilitate pragmatic relations with neighbors in the West Bank and Gaza, without establishing a "terrorist Palestinian state." Diker suggested that the Israeli public's unified stance is crucial for conveying this message to Western allies, citing past efforts by leaders like Obama and Biden to bypass Israeli governments and appeal directly to the Israeli public.
The survey also highlights growing concern over the Palestinian Authority's military buildup, which researcher Dr. Maurice Hirsch reports has grown to at least 70,000 armed militants, far exceeding the 15,000 limit set by the Oslo Accords. Fear of an October 7th-style attack from the West Bank has risen from 62% in February 2025 to 77% in September 2026 among the general public, and from 68% to 86% among Jewish respondents. Diker argued that the absence of a Palestinian state thus far allows the IDF to operate effectively in the region, maintain deterrence, and exert economic leverage over the PA. He also drew parallels to the perceived ineffectiveness of the "Peace Council" in Gaza, suggesting a similar Israeli military control model might be necessary for the Gaza Strip.
