Survey: Majority of Israelis Support Military Action in Rafah Despite U.S. Opposition

By Yoni Weiss

A recent comprehensive survey conducted by Globes delved into the perspectives of Israelis regarding the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip within the context of relations with President Joe Biden.

The survey involved nearly 1,000 respondents to gauge Israeli sentiments on various aspects of the conflict. The findings shed light on opinions concerning potential military actions in Rafah, humanitarian aid, President Biden’s stance, and more.

Support for Military Operation in Rafah:

The survey revealed that a significant majority of Israelis (82%) favor a military operation in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip bordering Egypt. Half of the respondents expressed support for such an operation even if it faces opposition from the U.S. Additionally, a fifth of respondents favored coordination with the U.S. for the operation, while 13% supported it without coordination, provided a solution for evacuating civilians was ensured. Only 10% opposed the idea of a Rafah operation.

Views on Civilian Protection:

Nearly two-thirds of respondents believe that Israel makes every effort to avoid harming civilians in the Gaza Strip. However, about a fifth of respondents think Israel goes too far in protecting civilians, arguing that there are no innocent civilians in Gaza. Conversely, 11% believe Israel does not do enough to prevent civilian harm. The survey also found differing opinions among political affiliations, with 44% of left-wing voters expressing dissatisfaction with Israel’s efforts to protect civilians.

Conditionality of Humanitarian Aid:

Around 44% of respondents believe that humanitarian aid to Gaza should be contingent upon a deal for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Meanwhile, 27% support providing humanitarian aid regardless, citing its importance for Israel’s international image. Conversely, 22% oppose providing any humanitarian aid while the conflict persists.

Perceptions of President Biden:

Views on President Biden’s stance regarding the conflict vary among Israelis. While 37% view Biden as a friend of Israel whose statements should be understood within the context of an election period, a third of respondents, mainly right-wing voters, feel Israel should not consider Biden’s opinions at all. On the other hand, 21% believe Israel should take Biden’s stance into account due to his extensive support for the country.

Biden’s Potential Knesset Address:

Despite mixed views on Biden’s stance, half of the respondents support the idea of President Biden addressing the Knesset, while about a quarter oppose it.

Attitudes Toward Diplomatic Solutions:

Regarding diplomatic solutions, 36% of respondents believe Israel should refrain from pursuing such solutions as long as the conflict persists and there is no deal for hostage release. However, 37% agree with President Biden’s view that diplomatic efforts should be promoted for post-war scenarios.

Opinions on Biden’s Criticism of Netanyahu:

President Biden’s recent criticism of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu elicited varied responses, with 42% of Israelis agreeing with Biden’s statement that Netanyahu’s conduct of the war is more harmful than helpful for Israel.

Desire to Continue the War:

A majority of respondents (41%) believe that the war against Hamas in Gaza should continue, regardless of international opinion. Only 11% believe the fighting should cease due to international criticism.