Majority of Israeli Jews Oppose Gaza Border Return Without Security Buffer

A significant majority of Israeli Jews, 72%, would not agree under any circumstances to a return to the Gaza border without a security buffer inside the Strip, according to the September Israeli Society Index by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI). This figure represents an increase from 68% in September 2025. Across the entire Israeli population, 59% oppose such a return without a buffer.

Concurrently, support for a full Israeli occupation of Gaza and direct military rule has grown. Among all citizens, support rose to 30% from 24% last year, while within the Jewish population, it increased from 27% to 36%. The number of those completely opposing occupation remained stable at 46%, suggesting the shift comes from undecided individuals.

Political divisions are stark on the occupation issue, with 62% of those on the right supporting it, compared to 32% in the center-right. Conversely, 91% of those on the left and 88% in the center-left oppose it.

Regarding the perception of victory in the military campaign, 40% of all Israelis rate their sense of victory as high (4 or 5 out of 5), while 37% give low ratings (1 or 2). This perception of victory is concentrated in the right-wing segment of the population, where 77% gave high ratings, compared to much lower percentages in other political camps.

The survey also addressed the violent incident in Qusra, with 33% of all Israelis and 27% of Jews defining the young Jewish perpetrators as "Israeli terrorists." Another 18% labeled them "nationalist criminals." Combined, 51% used these strong descriptors. On the issue of outposts in the West Bank, 36% of Israelis believe they are a significant burden on the IDF, while an equal percentage disagrees.

Finally, concerning rising global antisemitism, 36% of Israelis believe it is unrelated to Israeli policy, an increase from 33% last year. However, 34% believe it is significantly influenced by policy. Among Jewish Israelis, 44% see no connection, while 57% believe Israel should not change its policies due to antisemitism. In contrast, 60% of the Arab public in Israel believes policy should be changed.