Survey Reveals Deep Israeli Fears of October 7 Repeat, Strong Rejection of Hamas Rule in Gaza

A striking new survey conducted by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA) has revealed the depth of public anxiety in Israel more than a year and a half after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre that left 1,200 civilians dead and 251 others kidnapped and taken to Gaza. The survey exposes the overwhelming consensus among Israelis that any continued Hamas presence, military or civilian, in the Gaza Strip is completely unacceptable.

According to the data, an overwhelming 85% of respondents oppose Hamas retaining any military presence in Gaza, while 81% reject the idea of the group, designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and Israel, playing even a civilian governance role in the territory. Support for Hamas in any capacity is virtually nonexistent, with only 7-8% of the public in favor.

“The survey shows that the Israeli public is not willing to accept continued Hamas rule in Gaza, even when faced with the dilemma of a hostage deal with Hamas,” said JCFA President Dan Diker.

The psychological trauma from the October 7 attack has not only hardened views on Gaza, but also heightened concerns about potential threats from the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). The survey found that 70% of all respondents, and a staggering 81% of Jewish Israelis, fear a similar surprise attack could originate from that region.

Public attitudes remain skeptical of the Palestinian Authority (PA) as well. Though opposition to PA involvement in post-war Gaza has dropped from 60% in March to 50% currently, only 25% support the PA taking on a governance role, reflecting continued mistrust.

Concerns about Israel’s long-term security extend to regional threats as well. A significant majority of Israelis (60%) support taking military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities. While 37% back such action in coordination with the United States, 23% would support a unilateral Israeli strike.

Support for the establishment of a Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders remains low. Overall, 66% of respondents and 78% of Jewish Israelis oppose the idea. Just 1% of Jewish respondents said they would support the creation of such a state unconditionally.

“The public understands that Israel’s security and existential threats require decisive leadership,” Diker emphasized, pointing to the survey as a powerful reflection of a nation still healing from unprecedented trauma, and determined to prevent its recurrence.