Palestinians Prioritize Economy, Settler Violence, IDF Operations in West Bank Poll
A Palestinian public opinion poll conducted in the West Bank between June 27 and July 2, 2026, reveals that economic hardship, settler violence, and Israeli military operations are the primary concerns among Palestinians. The survey, conducted by the National Security Studies Institute (INSS) at Tel Aviv University with 400 participants aged 18 and over, found that 97% consider unemployment and damaged livelihoods a major or very major problem, while 96% hold the same view regarding settler attacks. Additionally, 91% identified Israeli army operations in the West Bank as a significant issue. Personal security is also a major concern, with 60% reporting a low sense of personal safety, including 38% who feel very insecure.
Regarding political solutions, 52% of respondents favor negotiations to end the conflict, an increase from 43% in September 2025. However, no specific political solution garnered majority support. The two-state solution was favored by 27%, while 26% preferred a single state in all of historic Palestine without a permanent Jewish presence. A significant 44% stated they would not vote if Palestinian Authority elections were held currently. The poll also indicated that 46% believe Israelis and Palestinians can coexist in one state with equal civil rights, a rise from 40% in 2025.
Settler violence has directly impacted a notable portion of the population, with 14% reporting personal attacks in the past year, and another 22% hearing firsthand accounts from acquaintances. Those directly or indirectly affected by settler violence reported significantly lower levels of personal security. The poll also explored views on the Gaza war, with 74% fearing a similar fate for West Bank cities, and 38% predicting the war would end with losses on both sides.
When asked about the future of Gaza post-war, 32% favored a technocratic government or a "National Committee for Gaza Administration," while 21% supported the Palestinian Authority and another 21% a unity government between Fatah and Hamas. In a hypothetical succession for Mahmoud Abbas, Marwan Barghouti emerged as the leading candidate with 34% of the vote, followed by Hussein al-Sheikh with 8%.
