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A new public opinion poll published on Sunday has revealed a significant decline in Israelis’ trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his administration, and the country’s military.
The survey, conducted by the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies, found that 76% of Israeli respondents no longer trust Netanyahu’s government, which has been in power since December 2022.
The findings show that during Israel’s recent 12-day conflict with Iran, which began on 13 June, trust in the government dropped further from 30% to 23%, while confidence in Netanyahu himself fell from 35% to 30%.
The war also dented public faith in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), with trust falling from 83% to 77%. Confidence in Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir dropped from 69% to 62%, while trust in the military spokesperson declined from 63% to 56.5%.
The survey also indicated growing pessimism among Israelis about the prospects of achieving key objectives in Gaza. Only 53% of respondents believe the army has succeeded in either dismantling Hamas’ rule or securing the release of Israeli hostages, while 28% said they have no belief in a military victory in Gaza.
Tel Aviv maintains that approximately 50 hostages are still being held in the enclave, with around 20 thought to be alive. Critics, including opposition figures and families of captives, have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict to maintain support from his far-right coalition and cling to power.
When asked about the army’s ongoing strategy in Gaza, 61% of respondents said it does not help to secure the hostages’ release. Only 20.5% believe the current tactics contribute to Hamas’ elimination, while 25.5% say the operations serve both aims.
The poll also highlighted a divided public opinion over the failure to secure a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Some 52% blamed the government for the breakdown in negotiations, while 45% pointed the finger at Hamas.
Regarding the disarmament of Hamas, 52% of Israelis believe it is possible, but 41.5% do not.
Hamas reiterated over the weekend that it would not relinquish its weapons unless an “independent and fully sovereign” Palestinian state is established.
Despite growing international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has continued its military campaign in Gaza since 7 October 2023. Over 60,400 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, the majority of them women and children.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
