The crux of the issue

A “Monthly Israeli Society Index” survey, spearheaded by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI), exhibits significant contrasts between the stance of Jewish Israelis, Arab Israelis, and the American government on pending decisions and strategies about Gaza and Lebanon, implying potential chasms in international policy agreements.

Why it matters

The differing opinions pinpoint potential friction points in the diplomatic and strategic relations between Israel and the United States, providing insight into public deference regarding the Palestinian Authority’s role in Gaza and the approach to addressing tensions with Hezbollah along the northern border.

Insight into Israeli Perspectives

A marginal 5% of Jewish Israeli respondents align with the American proposal of Palestinian Authority control over Gaza post-conflict, a figure which indicates considerable policy fissures. A compelling 36% believe Israel should take full control of the Gaza Strip, with community supports such as coalition voters—51% of which—advocating for the rebuilding of Gush Katif settlements. Conversely, a mere 3% of opposition supporters share this sentiment. Furthermore, only 44% entertain the idea of any form of Palestinian governance, illustrating a significant divide on future governing scenarios.

Israeli Coalition versus Opposition Standings

A distinct gap exists between coalition and opposition supporters; 18% of coalition followers favor a strong nationalist entity if not full Israeli domination, while 39% of the opposition endorses some degree of Palestinian self-administration not led by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

Considering a Second Front

Anmlyzing views on the combat fluctuations on northern frontiers, 44% of Jewish Israelis suggest it’s time for a frontal stance against Hezbollah, a notion amplified among coalition supporters, of whom 60% advocate for action contrary to U.S. government apprehensions aimed at averting a broader clash. This broadints deeply-divided perspectives responto opening a second front against Hezbollah.

Arab Israeli Perspectives

The Arab Israeli faction presents more concordance with international strategies, as 44% are in favor of a worldwide endorsed agreement to defuse tensions with Hezbollah, akin to 34% of Jewish respondents. A true subset (8% of Arab participants) endorses a military path forward in the north, invoking highlight significant inter-communal variances in strategic perspective.

Survey Methodology

The study was carried out leveraging input from 700 Jewish Israeli and 200 Arab Israeli respondents and was processed by Professor Camil Fuchs for a genuine reflection of the population. JPPI’s Shmuel Rosner and Noah Sleptov conducted further analyses.

The takeaways

These findings surface amidst continuous deliberation of Israel’s approach with its neighbors, reflecting a complex mesh of insular policies and expectations amidst international diplomacy. Prominent voices, including JPPI President Yedidia Stern’s, acknowledge an indispensable US-Israel camaraderie, while promoting the value of mutual agreement aligning interests within such alliances. The transformative role American Jews may play is also underscored within the construct of these alliances.

This story was first published on jpost.com.