Gaza Border and Northern Residents Critical of Government Response, Survey Finds

A new poll conducted among residents of Israel's Gaza border communities and northern towns reveals significant dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the aftermath of the October 7th attacks and the ongoing war. The survey, commissioned by ynet and Yediot Ahronot and conducted by the Dialog Institute, polled 498 Jewish residents from communities directly impacted by the conflict.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents, 75%, believe the war will significantly influence their voting decisions, with 48% stating it will have a very large impact. The area drawing the harshest criticism is the government's international public diplomacy regarding the war, with 54% expressing low satisfaction and only 23% high satisfaction. Satisfaction with the government's initial response to the October 7th attack stands at 48% low satisfaction versus 31% high satisfaction.

While residents generally express higher satisfaction with the war's management post-October 7th (43% high satisfaction), this is still met with considerable criticism. Satisfaction with the response to residents during the fighting and the rehabilitation of communities stands at 34% and 32% respectively. Notably, women reported lower satisfaction levels than men across several key areas, including the government's response to the October 7th attack and the management of the war.

When asked about the most important issues for their vote, residents of the South and North cited the cost of living (32%) and the security situation (31%) as nearly equal top priorities. A commission of inquiry into the October 7th events was the most significant issue for 17%, while burden-sharing and the drafting of the ultra-Orthodox was important for 13%. Younger respondents prioritized the cost of living, while older respondents focused more on a commission of inquiry and the drafting of the ultra-Orthodox.