Most Israelis favor single-phase deal to return hostages, end Gaza war

Most Israelis favor single-phase deal to return hostages, end Gaza war


The survey found that 74% of respondents back such a deal, while 12% oppose an agreement that would bring the war to a close.

A strong majority of Israelis support a comprehensive agreement that would return all hostages and fallen soldiers in a single phase in exchange for ending the war in Gaza, according to a Channel 12 poll published on Friday evening.

The survey, conducted for Channel 12’s Ulpan Shishi program, found that 74% of respondents back such a deal, while 12% oppose an agreement that would bring the war to a close. Eight percent expressed support for the phased deal currently under consideration by the government, and six percent said they did not know.

Among coalition voters 60% expressed support for a comprehensive deal, compared to 22% who oppose any agreement, Channel 12 reported. Among opposition voters, support rose to 89%, with only two percent opposed.

When asked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prefers a staged agreement, 49% of respondents said they believe the reasons are political, including 22% of coalition voters. 36% attributed Netanyahu’s position to security considerations, including 16% of opposition voters. 15% said they didn’t know, according to Channel 12.

Assessing public views on leadership’s handling of war

The poll also assessed public views on the leadership’s handling of the war. 55% of respondents rated Netanyahu’s performance as poor, while 41% gave him a positive rating, Channel 12’s poll found.

Demonstrators protest against the Israeli government and for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip outside military headquarters in Tel Aviv, June 7 2025. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Defense Minister Israel Katz received a negative assessment from 52%, with 37% viewing his performance positively. In contrast, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir received a positive rating from 62% of respondents, while 24% rated his performance negatively.

Channel 12 also asked what issue would most influence voting in the next election. The cost of living was the top concern for 27% of respondents, followed closely by the October 7 attacks and the war in Gaza at 26%. 14% cited equality in burden-sharing and ultra-Orthodox enlistment, while 13% pointed to viewed as a key electoral issue.

How did Operation Rising Lion affect people’s opinions?

Only eight percent of respondents said that the recent attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, known as Operation Rising Lion, would influence their vote. Even among coalition voters, Iran was not viewed as a key electoral issue, Channel 12 noted.

The survey also explored public sentiment regarding Netanyahu’s political future. Channel 12 found that 55% of respondents believe Netanyahu should negotiate a plea deal in his ongoing corruption trial and retire from political life, including 27% of coalition voters. 34% said he should contest the next election, while 11% said they did not know.

Channel 12 also asked opposition voters who they believe should lead the bloc challenging Netanyahu.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett led with 35%, followed by National Unity Party head Benny Gantz at 13%, Yair Lapid and Avigdor Liberman at 12% each, former National Unity member Gadi Eisenkot at 11%, and Yair Golan at 6%.



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