Netanyahu's popularity plummets due to Gaza offensive

The popularity of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has plummeted by over 50 per cent since the start of the deadly offensive on Gaza, a recent poll has revealed.

According to a public opinion poll cited by Israeli TV Channel 2, only 38 per cent expressed their approval of Netanyahu’s performance, down from an 82 per cent approval rating on July 18.

The channel pointed out that Netanyahu’s popularity has significantly dropped over the past four days, following the evacuation of many residents of the settlements around Gaza.

Three weeks ago, Netanyahu’s popularity was at 63 per cent, the report added.

In response to a question about the government’s handling of the Gaza settlements, 68 per cent of respondents said that it was wrong, while only 24 per cent approved it.

With regards to the start of the new school term in Israel, 63 per cent said it should be postponed in southern areas as long as the offensive on Gaza continues, whereas 18 per cent supported the start of the school term according to its normal schedule.

In contrast, 15 per cent favoured the postponement of the new school term all over the country until the war ends.

The decline in Netanyahu’s popularity comes amidst a spike in official criticism of his handling of the assault against the backdrop of his failure to crush the Palestinian resistance actions in Gaza.