Israeli Poll Shows 72% Support Security Zone in South Lebanon Despite Potential US Clash

A June poll by the Israeli Democracy Institute reveals a sharp decline in Israeli public trust that US President Donald Trump prioritizes Israel's security, alongside broad support for maintaining a security zone in southern Lebanon even at the risk of conflict with the United States. The survey, conducted between June 28 and July 1, 2026, included 754 respondents and found that 72% of Israelis back a permanent security strip in southern Lebanon. Support among Jewish respondents was 80%, while 57.5% of Arab respondents opposed it.

Regarding Israel-US relations, 53% of the overall population believe the current tensions are temporary and will not damage long-term ties. Among Jews, 54% see the crisis as temporary, whereas Arab opinions are nearly split, with 47% viewing it as temporary and 46% fearing a prolonged negative turning point. Confidence that Trump considers Israel's security a central concern dropped from 44% in May to 28% in June, falling among both Jews (41% to 26%) and Arabs (59% to 36%).

On domestic issues, 47% of Israelis think law enforcement is too lenient in handling ultra-Orthodox protests, while 26.5% believe enforcement is too harsh. Among secular Israelis, 69% feel enforcement is too soft, whereas most ultra-Orthodox perceive it as excessively strict. Strategically, 38% of respondents feel Israel's security situation has improved since Operation "Lion's Roar," with nearly two-thirds of right-wing Israelis sharing this view, while other political groups tend to see deterioration.

The survey also assessed public opinion of ultra-Orthodox leadership, with 47% giving positive marks for advancing their community's interests, 20% neutral, and 28% negative. About half the population opposes advancing significant electoral system legislation before elections, while roughly a third support it. The poll's margin of error is ±3.57% at a 95% confidence level.