A new poll reveals that 74% of Israelis, including 60% of voters who backed the current coalition, support a comprehensive agreement with Hamas that would secure the release of all hostages in exchange for ending the Gaza war. This stance sharply contrasts with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position favoring a phased deal.
Only 8% of respondents support Netanyahu’s approach, which proposes releasing half the hostages now and negotiating a permanent ceasefire for the rest. Meanwhile, 12% oppose any deal involving an end to the war, and 6% are undecided.
When asked about Netanyahu’s motives for insisting on a phased deal, 49% of respondents cited political reasons, 36% said security reasons, and 15% were unsure.
The poll also showed public dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s war management: 55% rated his handling as poor, while 41% said it was good. Defense Minister Israel Katz received similar ratings, whereas IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir was viewed positively by 62% of respondents.
Amid speculation over Netanyahu’s possible resignation in a plea deal to end his ongoing corruption trial, 55% of respondents—27% of them coalition voters—said he should step down.
Regarding priorities for the next election, 27% of respondents cited the economy and cost of living, followed by the Gaza war (26%), Haredi enlistment (14%), and internal societal divisions (13%).
Among opposition voters, 35% favored Naftali Bennett as the preferred leader to challenge Netanyahu in the next election, ahead of Benny Gantz (13%), Yair Lapid (12%), and Avigdor Liberman (12%).
The next national election is scheduled for October 2026, though political tensions within the coalition could lead to earlier elections.
