Most Israelis believe PM more interested in staying in power than winning war or freeing hostages — poll

Most Israelis believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is more interested in remaining in power than winning the war or freeing hostages, according to a new poll aired this evening on Channel 12.

Asked what Netanyahu believes is his main goal, 55% said staying in power, 36% said returning the hostages, and 9% said they weren’t sure.

When returning the hostages was swapped out for “winning the war,” the responses remained roughly the same.

Asked why there hasn’t been another hostage deal, 53% of respondents said political reasons, while 38% said legitimate reasons, and 9% said they weren’t sure.

Asked whether Netanyahu generally managed to convince them in his press conference this week, 62% of respondents said he did not, 34% said he did, and 4% were unsure.

Asked whether they believed Netanyahu when he said on Thursday that he didn’t know about his top aides work on behalf of Qatar, 58% said they don’t, 30% said they do and 12% said they weren’t sure.

Among coalition voters, 58% said they believe him and 27% said they don’t.