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...