Most Israelis expect another war in Gaza

A new poll claims that around 82 per cent of Israelis foresee another round of fighting against Hamas in Gaza, Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Sunday. The poll was conducted by Dr Mina Tzemach and the Institute for Policy and Strategy for the Herzliya Security Conference.

Half of the poll’s respondents believe that the Israeli army will defeat Hamas in the upcoming war. Half also think that Israel actually defeated Hamas in last summer’s Israeli offensive against the Palestinians in Gaza.

More than half, 54 per cent, expect another war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. About 70 per cent of the respondents believe that Israel will win if such a war takes place. At the same time, 42 per cent regard ISIS as less of a threat to Israel than Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, 68 per cent of the poll respondents said that Israel should renew peace talks with the Palestinians or present its own diplomatic initiative. Around 72 per cent said that they support the Arab Peace Initiative proposed by Saudi Arabia.

As far as the most recent general election is concerned, 52 per cent said that they are unhappy with the result, which brought Benjamin Netanyahu to office for a fourth term.