The poll indicated that 74% of those surveyed are in favor of such an arrangement, whereas 12% are against a settlement that would conclude the hostilities.
An overwhelming majority of Israelis are in favor of a wide-ranging accord that would return all captives and deceased soldiers in a single action in return for ceasing the conflict in Gaza, according to a survey by Channel 12 that was released Friday night.
The poll, which was done for Channel 12’s Ulpan Shishi broadcast, revealed that 74% of those polled support such an agreement, while 12% are opposed to a settlement that would end the war. Eight percent voiced backing for the phased agreement presently being weighed by the government, and six percent stated they were unsure.
Among coalition voters, 60% expressed backing for a comprehensive accord, compared to 22% who are against any agreement, Channel 12 stated. Among opposition voters, backing increased to 89%, with only two percent against.
When queried if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu favors a gradual agreement, 49% of those surveyed said they think the motivations are political, including 22% of coalition voters. 36% attributed Netanyahu’s stance to security factors, including 16% of opposition voters. 15% stated they did not know, according to Channel 12.
Evaluating popular opinions on the leadership’s management of the war
The poll also evaluated popular opinions on the leadership’s handling of the conflict. 55% of those surveyed rated Netanyahu’s performance as subpar, while 41% gave him a favorable rating, Channel 12’s poll indicated.
Demonstrators protest against the Israeli government and for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip outside military headquarters in Tel Aviv, June 7 2025. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
Defense Minister Israel Katz received an unfavorable assessment from 52%, with 37% viewing his performance favorably. Conversely, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir received a favorable rating from 62% of those surveyed, while 24% rated his performance unfavorably.
Channel 12 also inquired what matter would most sway voting in the upcoming election. The cost of living was the primary worry for 27% of those surveyed, followed closely by the October 7 assaults and the war in Gaza at 26%. 14% cited equality in burden-sharing and ultra-Orthodox conscription, while 13% pointed to viewed as a key electoral issue.
How did Operation Rising Lion influence people’s opinions?
Only eight percent of those surveyed stated that the recent assault on Iranian nuclear sites, known as Operation Rising Lion, would sway their vote. Even among coalition voters, Iran was not viewed as a key electoral issue, Channel 12 noted.
The survey also examined public sentiment regarding Netanyahu’s political future. Channel 12 revealed that 55% of those surveyed think Netanyahu should negotiate a plea agreement in his ongoing corruption trial and step down from political life, including 27% of coalition voters. 34% said he should contest the upcoming election, while 11% stated they were unsure.
Channel 12 also inquired of opposition voters who they think should head the bloc challenging Netanyahu.
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett led with 35%, followed by National Unity Party head Benny Gantz at 13%, Yair Lapid and Avigdor Liberman at 12% each, former National Unity member Gadi Eisenkot at 11%, and Yair Golan at 6%.
