Poll: Almost half of Syrians support peace with Israel

About 40% of Syrians support reaching a peace treaty with Israel, according to a poll conducted by the Syrian Center For Research and Public Opinion, according to a report today (Thursday) by Kann reporter Roi Kais.

According to the poll, 46% oppose a peace deal with Israel and about 40% support it. The highest rates of support can be found among the Druze living across the Israeli border, and most ethnic groups support a peace treaty at rates of 40% or higher - except for the Sunnis, where only 35% support a peace deal.

On the other hand, 76% of Syrians consider Israel to be the main threat to the country - more than Iran, the United States, Russia, or others. 60% also oppose an Israeli diplomatic presence in the country, with just 24% supporting the idea.

Syrians are similarly divided on the question of the benefits of a peace treaty: 70% think it will improve Syria's economic position and lead to improved security and economic circumstances for Syria.

On the other hand, 62% believe such a treaty will lead to Israel occupying additional territory, while just 24% believe Israel will withdraw from the areas of southern Syria which it recently occupied.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar have all said that Israel intends to remain in southern Syria until the situation "stabilizes" and the threats to Israel end.