Poll: Israelis overwhelmingly back IDF airstrike in Qatar, despite US opposition

Three-quarters of Israelis say they support decision to bomb Hamas’ senior leadership in Qatar, a move denounced by the US and other world leaders.

By World Israel News Staff

The vast majority of Israelis support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to carry out an airstrike last week on a gathering of senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, despite heavy international opposition to the attack, including from the United States.

According to a poll published on Friday by the newspaper Ma’ariv, 75% of Israelis said they back IDF strikes on Hamas terrorists in Qatar.

Respondents were somewhat divided over the timing of the strikes, with a plurality backing the decision to carry out the attacks last Tuesday, while a minority said the IDF should have held off until a more opportune time.

About half, 49%, said they supported not only the idea of striking Hamas in Qatar but also the timing of the strike, while 26% said they favored airstrikes in Qatar but disagreed with the timing.

Only 11% of respondents said they disapproved of the idea of attacking Hamas terrorists in Qatar.

The survey, which was conducted by the Lazar Research polling institute, included 506 Israeli Jews and Arabs from September 10 to 11.

Israelis are roughly evenly divided regarding the question as to whether the strike would make a ceasefire deal more or less likely.

More than one-third (38%) said the strike reduced the likelihood of reaching a ceasefire deal and hostage agreement, while nearly as many (37%) said it would increase the chances of reaching a deal.

Friday’s poll also found a small increase in support for the ruling coalition government after last Tuesday’s airstrike.

The parties included in Netanyahu’s government, which today hold a total of 68 seats, rose from 49 mandates in last week’s Ma’ariv poll to 50 seats.