The Right Way: Top of the News

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Top of the News

Israelis Weigh in on the State of the War Against Hamas

The media and pundits have spent plenty of time looking at what Americans think about Israel’s war against Hamas. Of course, we can’t miss the squeaky-wheel protesters and loud politicians voicing their affinity for the terrorists.

But what do Israelis think about what’s going on in their country? The results of a poll that Pew Research Center released last week are a fascinating mixed bag that reveals the thoughts of those closest to the conflict.

The top-line numbers are encouraging: “39% of Israelis say Israel’s military response against Hamas in Gaza has been about right, while 34% say it has not gone far enough and 19% think it has gone too far.” Additionally, just over two-thirds of Israelis believe that Israel will achieve its goals in battling Hamas, with 40% saying that Israel will “definitely” win and 27% saying that it will “probably” succeed.

This confidence doesn’t eliminate any worry about the conflict. According to Pew’s report, “61% say they are extremely or very concerned about the war expanding into other countries in the region” and “68% say they are extremely or very concerned about the war going on for a long time.”

As to what happens after the war is over, there’s less confidence, and opinions vary more widely. Pew reports that “A 40% plurality of Israelis think Israel should govern the Gaza Strip. Smaller shares think Gazans should decide who governs (14%) or would like to see a Palestinian Authority national unity government either with (6%) or without (12%) President Mahmoud Abbas.”