A significant majority of Israelis are opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state along the 1967 lines. The poll, released Monday by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, came just hours before the UN Security Council was set to vote on a U.S. proposal that could open the door to Palestinian statehood.

Conducted by Dr. Menachem Lazar of the Lazar Research Institute, the survey shows that 70% of respondents oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders. This marks the highest level of opposition recorded by the Center since the war erupted following the Oct. 7 massacre. Among Jewish Israelis, resistance is even more pronounced, with 79% rejecting the idea. Only 8% of respondents support such a proposal outright, while 13% would consider it under strict conditions, such as Palestinian recognition of Israel as the Jewish state and a fully demilitarized Palestinian entity. Nine percent remain undecided.

The poll’s findings illustrate the growing skepticism surrounding a Palestinian state, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict. Israelis appear deeply concerned about security, and the idea of territorial concessions—especially along the 1967 lines—is widely viewed as an unacceptable risk.

Even in the face of potential diplomatic breakthroughs, such as the possibility of normalization with Saudi Arabia, a majority of Israelis remain staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood. A full 62% reject the creation of a Palestinian state, even in exchange for Saudi Arabia’s formal recognition of Israel. Among Jewish Israelis, opposition rises to 73%. On the other hand, 56% of Arab Israelis support the idea, including 34% who back it unconditionally.

The survey also explored attitudes toward the U.S. proposal under consideration at the UN Security Council, which calls for Israeli acknowledgment of a future Palestinian state, contingent on Palestinian reforms. A solid 49% of Israelis, including 57% of Jewish Israelis, oppose any Israeli endorsement of a Palestinian state, even if the Palestinians implement significant internal reforms. Only 20% would consider such a move if the state were demilitarized and recognized Israel as the Jewish state.

Israelis are also divided on whether to support the deal currently being discussed in Washington that would grant Saudi Arabia F-35 fighter jets in exchange for the kingdom dropping its demand for a Palestinian state. The public is nearly split, with 43% opposing the deal and 40% in favor. Among supporters, many conditioned their backing on a U.S. guarantee to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge. Just 6% support the deal without any such conditions.

Israelis are also overwhelmingly in favor of post-war security arrangements that would see an international peacekeeping force deployed in Gaza. Some 62% support the deployment of a Western-led international force, with a preference for U.S. or other Western powers overseeing the region. Only 10% back the inclusion of countries like Turkey or Qatar in such a peacekeeping mission, while 26% believe Israel should maintain sole military control over Gaza.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)