Skip to content 
JERUSALEM – A recent survey reveals that 69% of Israelis endorse targeted assassinations, even if such actions postpone a cease-fire agreement and prisoner-hostage exchange with Palestinian factions in Gaza.
Read also: Freed Gaza Detainees Allege Severe Mistreatment in Israeli Custody
The poll, conducted by the Lazar Institute and published in the daily Maariv on Friday, sampled 510 Israelis with a 4.4% margin of error. Only 19% of respondents opposed such operations, while 12% expressed no definitive stance.
This public sentiment comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which began following Hamas’s October 7 incursion. The conflict has resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages taken. Gaza has suffered nearly 40,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly women and children, along with widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis.
Recent high-profile assassinations have heightened tensions. On Wednesday, Hamas political leader Ismael Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, though Israel has not directly addressed the incident. Earlier, Israeli forces eliminated Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukr in Beirut and claimed successful operations against Hamas commander Mohammad Deif and Islamic Jihad official Mohammad al-Jaabari.
These targeted killings appear to have stalled cease-fire negotiations mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.
The survey also gauged public opinion on political leadership. Opposition figure Benny Gantz garnered 41% support as potential prime minister, slightly edging out incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu at 39%.
Projections based on the poll suggest that if elections were held today, neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition led by Yair Lapid would secure the 61-seat majority required to form a government in the 120-member Knesset. The opposition is projected to win 58 seats, Netanyahu’s bloc 52, and Arab parties 10.
