Most Israelis prefer sticking with hostage release deal’s 2nd phase over returning to war — poll

A majority of Israelis support continuing with the hostage release deal’s second phase, which would see the release of all remaining living hostages in exchange for a permanent end to the war, according to a poll aired tonight on Channel 12.

Sixty-one percent of Israelis support continuing with the hostage deal’s second phase, while 26% oppose phase two and instead prefer returning to war. Thirteen percent say they are unsure.

The survey polled 501 Israelis above the age of 18, and there is a 4.4% margin of error.

In line with the first question, 68% of respondents say the most important war goal is to release the hostages, compared to 24% who said it is to defeat Hamas. Eight percent said they were not sure.

Support for Trump’s plan to takeover Gaza and relocate all of its Palestinians remains high among Israelis, with 68% in favor, compared to 20% who oppose the idea and 12% who are unsure.

Asked about the performance of Israel’s top political and security leaders throughout the war, none of individuals polled received high grades.

Sixty-one percent say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s performance has been poor, compared to 33% who say it has been good.

Forty-seven percent say former defense minister Yoav Gallant’s performance was poor, compared to 43% who say it was good.

Fifty-seven percent say Defense Minister Israel Katz’s performance has been poor, compared to 30% who say it has been good.

Forty-five percent say IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi’s performance has been poor, compared to 43% who say it has been good.

Forty-six percent say Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar’s performance has been poor, compared to 30% who say it has been good.

Thirty-three percent say Mossad Chief David Barnea’s performance has been poor, compared to 46% who say it has been good. Barnea is the only one whose performance was polled to have those who gave a favorable rating come in higher than those who found him to be unfavorable.

Asked who is principally responsible for the October 7 failure, 23% say Netanyahu, 12% say the Shin Bet and 8% say IDF chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. Forty-nine percent say all of them are equally responsible and eight percent say they do not know.

Asked what is the appropriate investigative body to probe the failure, 63% say a state commission of inquiry, 19% say a lower-level government inquiry, which has been backed by Netanyahu’s supporters, five percent say there is no need for an inquiry and 13% say they are unsure.