Poll: Most Israelis, Palestinians Doubt Two-State Solution Viability
A recent poll indicates a significant majority of 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% believe peaceful coexistence is possible, versus 64% who disagree. In contrast, 23% of Arab citizens of Israel believe coexistence is possible, while 26% believe it is not, with 46% undecided or refusing 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. Gaza was excluded due to the inability to conduct fieldwork there.
Participants cited several reasons for their pessimism. Both sides frequently mentioned disputes over land, with some Israelis and Palestinians believing land division is no longer realistic or that exclusive sovereignty is necessary. Israeli respondents opposing a Palestinian state specifically cited security concerns, fearing a Palestinian state would increase its military power near Israeli areas.
Palestinians pointed to Israeli control of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, settlements, checkpoints, and movement restrictions as major obstacles. The impact of past and recent violence and wars 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 during the subsequent war.
Those who still believe coexistence is possible suggested it requires a desire for peace, mutual concessions, rebuilding trust, and political change. Some Palestinians highlighted potential economic benefits, while others emphasized the need for Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian territories, reduced settlement activity, and eased movement restrictions. The survey revealed high levels of mutual distrust, with participants accusing the other side of rejecting peace, denying national rights, or harboring violent intentions.
