A large majority of Israelis oppose annexation of the West Bank and favor strengthening ties with moderate Arab states, according to a new public opinion survey presented by the Shield of Abraham on Sunday.
The poll, released during a conference hosted by the Coalition for Regional Security, indicates that most Israelis are worried that unilateral annexation or an extended military campaign in Gaza could harm regional alliances and weaken Israel’s international standing.
According to the findings, 72 percent of respondents said that preserving the Abraham Accords and expanding relations with moderate Arab countries is a core national interest. Only 13 percent disagreed.
Five years after the signing of the Abraham Accords, 67 percent said the agreements have strengthened Israel’s security, economy, and regional position. Eighteen percent disagreed. A clear majority, 57 percent, warned that further military operations in Gaza could damage Israel’s diplomatic ties and undermine the Abraham Accords.
Seventy-eight percent of those surveyed believe that normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia and building a regional coalition of moderate states would reduce Iran’s influence in the Middle East.
Gaza and 'the day after'
When asked about possible arrangements for Gaza after the war, 43 percent said the best path to removing Hamas and demilitarizing the Strip lies in a regional agreement. Twenty-nine percent supported encouraging the population to emigrate, while 17 percent backed a full Israeli military takeover and rule.
A significant majority, 78 percent, said they would support a new diplomatic initiative led by former US president Donald Trump that includes ending the war, securing the release of hostages, disarming Hamas, normalizing ties with Saudi Arabia, and establishing a political separation from the Palestinians alongside a regional security alliance to counter Iran.
Support for normalization remained strong across the board. Sixty-six percent said they support expanding the Abraham Accords and formalizing ties with Saudi Arabia this year. However, 58 percent expressed concern that applying sovereignty over parts of the West Bank could harm relations with Arab allies. Half of the respondents said the government’s current approach is pushing Israel away from moderate Arab states, while 28 percent said the opposite.
When asked about the overall impact of expanding normalization agreements, 58 percent said the benefits to Israel’s security, economy, regional position and Iran deterrence would be significant. Only 6.4 percent said the impact would be minimal.
Call for responsible leadership
Lian Pollak David, co-founder of the Coalition for Regional Security, said the data shows a strong national consensus in favor of diplomacy and regional partnerships.
“The Israeli public views preserving and deepening relations with moderate Arab states as a top interest,” she said. “This survey, which reflects the views of Israelis across communities and political views, shows that these agreements contribute positively to Israel’s strategic position.”
She added that the government must act responsibly and “build on the historic achievement recorded five years ago by continuing to strengthen Israel’s position in the region. This is a critical opportunity to transform crisis into long-term opportunity.”
Attila Somfalvi, co-founder of the Coalition and a strategic adviser, said the public’s views were shaped by deep trauma following the October 7 attacks but emphasized that the desire for a solution has not disappeared.
“People are searching for a horizon that can bring about a different future,” he said. “It is concerning that so many Israelis trust the US president more than their own leadership. That shows how little faith they have in the alternatives currently being offered.”
The poll was conducted by iPanel among a representative sample of Jewish and Arab citizens in Israel. It has a 95 percent confidence level. The survey was first presented at the Coalition’s Shield of Abraham conference in Tel Aviv.