Most Israelis back post-war military rule in Gaza

(JNS) — A majority of Israelis want the Gaza Strip to remain under Israeli military rule after the current war ends, according to a survey published by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs last week.

The poll, conducted by Menachem Lazar of Lazar Research at the beginning of July, found that 52 percent support an Israeli takeover of Gaza with a temporary military administration — if all hostages are first released. Only 4 percent believe Hamas should remain in power, whether politically or militarily.

The survey sampled more than 700 Israelis, both Jews and Arabs, aged 18 and up. It explored views on Gaza’s future, a Palestinian state, ties with the Palestinian Authority, and wider regional issues including Iran and Syria.

No to a Palestinian state

According to the JCFA, 64 percent of Israelis oppose the creation of a Palestinian state along the pre-1967 lines. Just 8 percent support statehood without conditions, while 17 percent would back it if Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state and agree to demilitarization.

Among Jewish respondents, opposition is higher—77 percent overall, and 88 percent among right-wing voters. Among Arab respondents, 34 percent support an unconditional Palestinian state, and 26 percent conditionally.

Even with Saudi normalization on the table, 58 percent of respondents oppose Palestinian statehood. Only 24 percent Distrust of the Palestinian Authority

The P.A. also fares poorly in public opinion. Some 53 percent of Israelis oppose any role for the P.A. in post-war Gaza, compared to 26 percent who support involving it. Jewish opposition is stronger at 59 percent, compared to 30 percent among Arab Israelis.

Support for Trump’s Gaza plan

The survey also revealed that 69 percent of Israelis back U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, with 82 percent support among Jews. Arab opposition rose from 50 percent in May to 56 percent in July 2025.

No return to Be’eri if Hamas stays in Gaza

A majority of Israelis (56 percent) would not return to live in Kibbutz Be’eri, four km. east of Gaza — even after the war and the release of hostages — if Hamas remains in power in the Strip. Only 16 percent would return under those conditions. Among right-wing voters, 65 percent oppose returning, while 26 percent of the left are more willing.

Action against Iran

On the Iran situation, 76 percent of Israelis support further military action if Tehran seeks to rebuild its nuclear or ballistic programs. Of these, 37 percent favor action if it’s coordinated with the U.S., while 39 percent would also back unilateral Israeli action. Only 13 percent oppose any strike.

Another massacre

Two-thirds of Israelis (66 percent) fear another Oct. 7-style massacre, this time from Judea and Samaria. Among Jews, 77 percent express concern, compared to just 22 percent of Arab Israelis. Fear of this is highest on the right (80 percent), with the left less concerned (43 percent unafraid).

Normalization with Syria

When asked about peace with Syria, only 7 percent support unconditional normalization of relations. But 72 percent support a deal if Israel retains security freedom (42 percent) or if Syria drops its claim on the Golan Heights (23 percent). Only 10 percent oppose any agreement.

‘No place for Hamas’

Dan Diker, president of JCFA, said the survey shows a clear Israeli consensus. “There is no place for Hamas in Gaza on the day after the war,” he said. “The public rejects paying the heavy price of war only to restore the status quo of Oct. 6, 2023.”