Poll: Most Israelis and Palestinians Doubt Two-State Solution Viability

A recent poll indicates a significant majority of both Israelis and Palestinians hold pessimistic views regarding the feasibility of peaceful coexistence and the two-state solution. Only 17% of Israelis surveyed believe a path to peaceful coexistence is possible, compared to 56% who think it is not. Among Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, 21% see coexistence as possible, while 68% do not.

The survey, conducted by the Pew Research Center, found that the percentage of Israelis who believe coexistence is possible has fallen to its lowest point in over a decade. Among Jewish Israelis, 16% expressed belief in peaceful coexistence, contrasted with 64% who deemed it impossible. Arab citizens of Israel showed a slightly higher, though still divided, response, with 23% believing coexistence is possible and 26% saying it is not, while 46% were undecided or refused to answer.

The poll interviewed 1,001 Israelis and 1,038 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem between late March and early May. Interviews in Israel took place from April 5 to May 6, and in the West Bank and East Jerusalem from March 30 to April 28. The survey did not include Gaza due to difficulties in conducting fieldwork there.

Participants cited various reasons for their pessimism. Both Israelis and Palestinians frequently mentioned disputes over land, with some believing partition is no longer realistic and others asserting exclusive sovereignty claims. Israeli respondents opposing a Palestinian state specifically highlighted security concerns, fearing a Palestinian state could increase its military capabilities near Israel. Palestinians pointed to Israeli control over the West Bank and East Jerusalem, settlements, checkpoints, and movement restrictions as major obstacles.

The impact of past and recent violence also featured prominently. Some Israelis cited the October 7, 2023, attack as a turning point that eroded their faith in the two-state solution, while Palestinians referenced the killing and destruction associated with the subsequent war.

Those who still hold out hope for coexistence suggested it requires a desire for peace, mutual concessions, rebuilding trust, and political changes. Some Palestinians noted potential economic benefits of an agreement, while others emphasized the need for Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian territories, reduced settlement activity, and eased movement restrictions. The poll revealed a high level of mutual distrust, with participants accusing the other side of rejecting peace, denying national rights, or harboring violent intentions.