Israeli Public Trust in Trump Plummets Amid Iran Deal, Supports Lebanon Agreement

The Jewish People Policy Institute's (JPPI) July 2026 Israeli Society Index reveals a significant collapse in Israeli public trust in U.S. President Donald Trump following the signing of the nuclear agreement with Iran. Only 7% of Israelis now express strong confidence that Trump will act correctly in Israel-U.S. relations, down sharply from 34% in March during Operation "Roaring Lion." Trust among right-wing voters also declined, with just 8% expressing strong trust and 56% moderate trust, while 58% of center voters and 74% of left-center voters express no trust at all.

Despite this distrust, 74% of Israelis still view the United States as a true friend of Israel, and 66% believe Israel should coordinate with the U.S. government but act independently if disagreements arise. The survey also shows broad opposition to the U.S.-Iran nuclear deal, with 68% considering it harmful to Israel, including 56% who say it is "very bad." Among Jewish respondents, 68% labeled the deal "very bad," and none viewed it as "very good."

Conversely, the agreement with Lebanon enjoys widespread support, with 63% of Israelis seeing it as beneficial to Israel and only 18% opposing it. This support is consistent across Jewish and Arab populations and among right- and left-wing voters. On the Gaza issue, opinions are divided: 43% favor weakening Hamas through economic and diplomatic measures, while 35% support resuming fighting until war objectives are met. Among Jewish respondents, half prefer economic and diplomatic pressure, with 41% favoring renewed conflict; among Arabs, 51% prefer maintaining the status quo.

The JPPI data highlights a complex Israeli public mood marked by declining trust in Trump, opposition to the Iran deal, support for the Lebanon agreement, and divided views on Gaza policy.