AiBotTEL AVIV, Israel – A recent opinion poll conducted by Maariv has revealed a significant shift in public opinion in Israel, showing that the majority of the population is against the idea of a ceasefire in Lebanon and instead advocates for continued military action against Hezbollah. The poll, which was conducted among a representative sample of 513 Israeli adults, found that 77% of respondents believe that the Israeli military should continue its strikes against Hezbollah, with only 14% supporting the idea of a ceasefire.
The survey, which was published in Maariv’s Hebrew edition on Wednesday, indicates a growing sense of frustration among Israelis with the current military operation. Many respondents expressed concerns that a ceasefire would give Hezbollah an opportunity to regroup and rearm, and that the international community would not provide adequate pressure on Iran to stop its support for the group.
The majority of respondents who support continued military action against Hezbollah believe that this approach is necessary to prevent future attacks on Israeli territory and to demonstrate Israeli resolve to confront its enemies. Many also expressed confidence in the military’s ability to achieve its objectives through continued strikes.
On the other hand, those who support a ceasefire argue that the military operation has already caused significant damage to Lebanese civilians and infrastructure, and that continued strikes would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the country. They also believe that a ceasefire would provide an opportunity for the international community to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and promote a lasting peace.
The Maariv poll is the latest in a series of opinion polls conducted in Israel in recent weeks, all of which have shown a significant shift in public opinion in favor of continued military action against Hezbollah. While the Israeli government has not explicitly stated its position on a ceasefire, it is widely believed that a ceasefire would require significant concessions from Hezbollah, which has shown little willingness to compromise in the past.
The survey results are likely to put pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced criticism from some quarters for being too soft on Hezbollah. The Israeli military has been conducting military strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon since Sunday, in response to what Israel claims was a Hezbollah attack on an Israeli drone in the south.