Poll: Public support for Gaza war plummets as Israelis prioritize hostages over military victory

The Channel 12 survey shows that 69% of respondents believe negotiating a deal for the hostages' return is more important than pursuing military goals, while just 20% support continuing the fight. Even among supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, 46% place a higher value on a hostage deal, compared to 36% who favour ongoing military operations.

This data underscores the mounting frustration with the government's handling of hostage negotiations, with 52% of Israelis believing that political motives, rather than genuine barriers, are preventing a resolution. Netanyahu’s handling of the situation is also impacting his standing, as public confidence in his leadership is waning. In a head-to-head contest, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett now leads Netanyahu with 37% support compared to Netanyahu's 35%. However, Netanyahu still outpaces other opposition leaders, leading Benny Gantz by 37% to 30% and Yair Lapid by 38% to 27%.

Meanwhile, there are growing legal and political pressures on Netanyahu. The Times of Israel reports that the Attorney General may move to temporarily remove him from office next month as he is scheduled to testify in his corruption trial. Additionally, Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right coalition partners who have warned that they will dissolve the government if a hostage deal is reached.

A leaked recording from last month revealed Netanyahu telling Likud lawmakers that he is unwilling to end the war in Gaza in exchange for a hostage deal. "We are working all the time to bring [the hostages] back, but it’s not clear if there will be any new opportunities due to the killing of Sinwar. Right now, anyone who wants to succeed him will be more extreme than Sinwar," Netanyahu said in the recording.

“Hamas is making demands that we can’t agree to, including ending the war. Maybe those conditions will change, but not because they want to, rather because they need a break," Netanyahu explained. "We will return those we can, when we can."