Only 37% of Israeli Jews and about a fifth of Israeli Arabs think that “professional criteria” are guiding political decisions regarding the war in Gazaaccording to the survey this Wednesday Israel Democracy Institute (IDI).
In recent months, more and more voices have pointed out the prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the one responsible for maintaining the war, against the release of hostages, in order to achieve their political survival, avoid an early election, a criminal trial and an investigation of October 7, the day of the Hamas terrorist attack that led to the conflict in Gaza.
The survey was conducted online and by telephone between October 7 and 13, 2024, with 600 men and women interviewed in Hebrew and 150 in Arabic, details the IDI.
Additionally, 62% of Jewish Israelis now say they oppose a transition to converting the military into a professional volunteer corps, the highest rate recorded in nearly a decade.
The only population segment that supports such a change is ultra-Orthodox Jews, with 46% of them in favor of voluntary military service compared to 36% who oppose it.
“This change is the result of the conclusions drawn from the events of last year, that the only way to provide the necessary personnel for the Army is through compulsory military service.”the study includes in an allusion to the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Higher taxes
In this sense, a majority of Israeli Jews – more than 70% – also favor imposing higher taxes on those who do not serve in the Army and giving priority to reservist soldiers in public sector hiring, proposals to which ultra-orthodox Jews (Haredi) oppose.
Furthermore, an overwhelming majority, 76%, of Israeli Jews are against the idea of restricting women’s military service (roles, locations, etc.) in order to facilitate Haredi integration.
Haredis’ level of trust in the military – from which they have been exempt from serving for decades – is also lower compared to other Jews, with 40% describing it as low or non-existent.
The war in Gaza precipitated the end of the military exemption that Haredis had been enjoying since the creation of the Israeli state, after the Israeli Supreme Court ruled unanimously in June that “there is no legal basis to exclude them from conscription.” EFE (I)
#Poll #reveals #feelings #war #Gaza
**Given the deep divisions within Israeli society highlighted by the poll, how might these internal tensions complicate international efforts to broker a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas?**
## World Today News: Exclusive Interview on the Gaza War
**Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we’re diving deep into the complex realities of the ongoing conflict in Gaza through the lens of public opinion. Joining us are Dr. Miriam Cohen, a leading political scientist specializing in Israeli politics, and Mr. Yousef Khalil, a prominent Middle Eastern affairs analyst.**
**
**Section 1: Public Trust and Maker of Decisions**
**Host:**
Dr. Cohen, the Israel Democracy Institute’s poll reveals a concerning gap in public trust regarding the decision-making process behind the war. Only 37% of Jewish Israelis believe that “professional criteria” are guiding the conflict. What are the implications of this lack of trust, especially in such a critical time?
**
**Host:**
Mr. Khalil, the poll highlights the mounting criticism directed at Prime Minister Netanyahu, with some alleging that his political survival might be influencing decisions regarding the war and hostage release. How does this perception affect both internal Israeli politics and the international community’s view of the conflict?
**Section 2: Conscription and Social Cohesion**
**Host:**
Dr. Cohen, the poll shows a significant increase in support for keeping conscription mandatory, even reaching a near-decade high. Can you elaborate on the factors driving this shift in public opinion?
How does
the debate around mandatory service intersect with ongoing tensions between secular and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities in Israel?
**Host:**
Mr. Khalil, the poll reveals a strong resistance among ultra-Orthodox Jews towards integrating into the Israeli military. What are the historical and social factors contributing to this reluctance, and what are the potential ramifications for Israeli society’s cohesion in the long run?
**Section 3: Looking Ahead: Peace and Reconciliation**
**Host:**
Dr. Cohen, the poll highlights the deep divisions within Israeli society on key issues like military service and the handling of the Gaza conflict. How can these divisions be bridged to foster a more unified approach to achieving a lasting peace?
**Host:**
Mr. Khalil, what are the potential prospects for a meaningful and lasting peace agreement given the deeply entrenched positions on both sides? What role can the international community play in facilitating a resolution?
**Closing:**
**Host:**
Thank you both for sharing your invaluable insights on this incredibly complex situation. This conversation underscores the urgent need for understanding, dialogue, and visionary leadership to pave the way for a peaceful future. For World Today News, I’m [Host Name].
This is a template. You can add further nuances and probing questions to delve deeper into each topic based on your interviewees’ expertise and the ongoing developments in the region.
