Most southern Israelis think operation is a war

Most Israelis who live in southern Israel, which has been hardest-hit by the escalated rocket fire in the Gaza Strip in recent weeks, think Operation Protective Edge should be considered a war.

A poll conducted by the Israel Hayom daily and the New Wave Research Institute also shows that most Israelis, 63 percent, are satisfied with the conduct of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the clashes. A similar percentage expresses satisfaction with the IDF.

Meanwhile, around 80% of residents of southern Israel, as well as women, say the operation is actually a war, compared to 74 percent in the wider Israeli Jewish public.

In terms of the objectives achieved by the Israeli military during the fighting, 86% see the elimination of terror tunnels into Israel as a “significant achievement.” 70% say Hamas has been dealt a harsh blow, and 53% say the IDF has increased its deterrence.

However, just under half of those polled — 49% — believe neither Hamas nor Israel are victors. An overwhelming majority, nearly 90%, believe the fighting will be rekindled, and 70% say they don’t think the Cairo talks will result in a long-term solution.

82% also express concern about rising anti-Semitism around the world.