Majority of Israelis reject hostage deal with Hamas – poll

Just over one-third of Israelis say they support a proposed hostage deal with Hamas which would include a partial IDF withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the return of 33 captives, only 18 of whom are still alive.

By World Israel News Staff

A majority of Israelis are opposed to a hostage deal currently under consideration, according to a poll published Monday night.

Hamas has indicated it is willing to soften its demands that a hostage deal include Israel committing to a permanent truce ending the current war.

As part of the deal, Israel would receive 33 captives held by Gaza terrorists, including 18 living hostages and the remains of 15 more.

In exchange, Israel will commit to a temporary ceasefire and withdraw its forces from central Gaza and the Gaza-Egypt border.

According to a survey conducted by the Direct Polls firm and published by Channel 14, 53% of those polled rejected the deal, compared to just 36% who said they supported it.

A separate poll published by Channel 12 on Friday asked respondents more generally which is their top priority, without surveying them regarding a particular hostage deal proposal.

Two-thirds of respondents said their top priority was the return of the captives in Gaza, while just 26% said continuing the war against Hamas is more important.

Following the Channel 12 poll’s publication, Israeli President Isaac Herzog released a public statement urging the Netanyahu government to strike a deal with Hamas, claiming that such an arrangement was the “consensus” view of the Israeli public.

“The entire nation wants their return, and an absolute majority backs a hostage deal. The state’s obligation to bring them back is at the heart of the consensus,” said Herzog.