Israeli Public Supports Regional Deal Including Palestinian Solution
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
A new poll shows 59% of Israelis support a regional political agreement that includes a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Conducted by iPanel for Women Wage Peace between August 16-24, 2026, the survey found the public views security and political solutions as linked. Israelis also demand clear security conditions, such as dismantling Hamas and maintaining IDF operational freedom, for any deal. The majority, 68%, believe the government should proactively initiate such an agreement.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 59% of Israelis support a regional political agreement that includes a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- The public views long-term security as dependent on both military strength and political agreements.
- 94% of Israelis consider dismantling Hamas's capabilities in Gaza a necessary condition for an agreement.
- 68% of Israelis believe the government should proactively initiate a regional agreement.
- Support for a regional deal remains high even after the October 7 attacks and subsequent war.
- The survey was conducted by iPanel for the Women Wage Peace movement between August 16-24, 2026.
A new poll indicates that a majority of Israelis favor a regional political agreement that includes a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The survey, conducted by iPanel for the Women Wage Peace movement between August 16-24, 2026, found that 59% of Israelis support such a deal. This support remains strong even after the events of October 7 and the subsequent war, suggesting that the inclusion of the Palestinian issue does not deter the public from backing a regional settlement.
The research involved 1,473 respondents and explored public attitudes towards a regional political settlement, its connection to security, and the conditions Israelis expect in any agreement. The findings reveal that Israelis view political and security aspects as interconnected, believing that military strength alone is insufficient for long-term security. Specifically, 62.5% agreed that military achievements cannot guarantee lasting security, while 69% believe the military's role is to create conditions for agreements that ensure national security.
Furthermore, 48% agreed that only political agreements can end wars and provide long-term security. The public also has clear security demands for any future agreement. A significant 94% consider the dismantling of Hamas's military and governmental capabilities in Gaza a crucial or necessary condition, with 77% deeming it essential. Similarly, 94% view the preservation of the IDF's operational freedom to thwart threats as important or necessary, and 83% consider official security guarantees and full U.S. political backing as important or necessary.
The survey also highlighted an expectation for leadership initiative. Sixty-eight percent of respondents agreed that the Israeli government should proactively pursue a regional agreement rather than have one imposed. Additionally, 61% believe responsible leadership should present a vision of peace, not just military plans. Orna Sharagay, Co-Director of Women Wage Peace, stated that the public understands military force is not enough for long-term security and expects leadership to take initiative, urging candidates to present plans for security over the next ten to twenty years.
