Israelis back hostage deal – but not on Hamas’ terms, polls find

Despite some surveys showing overwhelming support among Israelis for a deal returning the remaining 50 hostages, polls show most Israelis do not back deal which includes IDF withdrawal leaving Hamas in power.

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

Just over one third of Israelis believe that Israel should agree to a hostage deal with Hamas which includes the core demands put forward by the terror group, according to a pair of recent polls.

Last week, a survey conducted by the Direct Polls firm was published by i24NEWS, highlighting the complexities on Israelis’ views on a potential hostage deal.

While most polls conducted since October 7th, 2023 on a potential hostage deal have shown overwhelming support when respondents were asked generally about a hypothetical deal, the Direct Polls survey included questions regarding Hamas’ demands.

A recent survey conducted by pollster Mano Geva for Channel 12 found that 74% of Israelis back a deal which would ensure the release of the remaining 50 hostages in exchange for an end to the war in Gaza.

A further 8% said they preferred a partial deal freeing 10 living hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, while just 12% said they oppose any deal requiring a truce in Gaza.

The poll did not, however, lay out other terms demanded by Hamas, nor did it ask respondents whether they would accept or reject the interim deal currently under consideration.

The i24NEWS poll, however, found that when respondents were asked whether they believe Israel should accept Hamas’ demands for a comprehensive deal, just 34% backed such a deal.

The terms listed include Hamas’ demand that the war in Gaza be ended while leaving the terror group armed and in control, a full IDF withdrawal from all of Gaza, the release of over 1,000 jailed Arab terrorists, and commitments by Israel to enable the flow of goods into Gaza to rebuild the Strip.

Sixty-two percent of respondents rejected a deal under those terms.

When asked whether they support the current ceasefire plan under consideration, which would secure the release of 10 living hostages in exchange for releasing jailed terrorists during a 60-day ceasefire, respondents are equally divided, 48% to 48%.

Should Hamas refuse to accept the interim deal under consideration, a plurality (39%) said that Israel should increase military efforts against Hamas, even if it endangers hostages’ lives. Nearly as many respondents (36%) said Israel should maintain the current level of pressure, while 22% said Israel should compromise further in order to reach a deal.

An additional poll, conducted by pollster Rafi Smith and published by the Abu Ali Express Telegram channel, found that 46% of Israelis believe Israel should reject Hamas’ demands for a comprehensive deal, compared to 37% who want Jerusalem to accept those terms.

A majority (51%) say Israel should agree to a partial, interim deal, compared to 34% who opposed such an arrangement.

Should Hamas refuse to agree to a partial hostage deal, 55% of respondents said Israel should massively increase military pressure on Hamas, even if it increases the risks of harming the hostages, while just 18% said Israel should compromise further. An additional 13% said Israel should maintain its current level of pressure.