Gaza Withdrawal Without Buffer Zone Opposed By 72% of Israeli Jews

A significant majority of Israeli Jews, 72%, oppose a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip without the establishment of a security buffer zone within the enclave, according to the September 2026 Israeli Society Index published by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI). This opposition has slightly increased from 68% in September 2025. Among the entire Israeli population, 59% reject such a withdrawal under any circumstances. Conversely, 49% of Israeli Arabs favor the return of Israeli forces to the border without a buffer zone.

The poll also indicates a rise in support for a prolonged Israeli occupation and administration of Gaza by the IDF, with 36% of Israeli Jews now approving this option, up from 27% a year prior. However, 40% of Israeli Jews would oppose such an occupation in all circumstances, a slight decrease from 42% in September 2025. Ideological divisions are stark, with 62% of those on the right supporting occupation compared to only 9% who categorically reject it. Support diminishes significantly among centrist and left-leaning populations.

Public opinion on the war's progress remains divided. While 40% of Israelis rate their perception of victory as 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, this is a slight decrease from 43% a year ago. Political affiliation heavily influences this view, with 77% of right-wing voters believing Israel is winning or has won, compared to much lower percentages across the center and left.

Looking ahead to the 2026 legislative elections, 40% of Israelis consider them the most important in the country's history. Security is the paramount issue influencing votes, cited by 31% of respondents, followed by government-judiciary relations and national unity. In terms of leadership, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is favored by 36% of all Israelis and 43% of Israeli Jews to be the next prime minister, ahead of former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.

Despite divisions, Israelis hold a slightly more positive outlook on the country's direction, with 35% of the general population and 43% of Israeli Jews believing the situation is improving. Socially, however, the past year is viewed negatively by 52% of respondents. Regarding global antisemitism, 44% of Israeli Jews do not believe it is linked to Israeli policy, while 28% think it is largely a consequence of it. A majority of Israeli Jews (57%) believe Israel should not alter its policies in response to rising antisemitism.

Furthermore, the poll addresses perceptions of Israeli youth involved in violence in Qusra, West Bank. One-third of the population labels them "Israeli terrorists," while 18% use the term "nationalist criminals." Political divides are evident, with left-wing and centrist respondents more likely to use the term "Israeli terrorists," while right-wing respondents prefer terms like "a handful of rioters" or "a violent minority."