A new survey by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA) reveals that 68% of Israeli Jews are concerned about an attack by West Bank Palestinians similar to the Hamas massacre of Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023. Only 25% of Israeli Arabs share this concern.
The survey was conducted between February 11-13, 2025, among a representative sample of over 700 Jewish and Arab participants aged 18-65, by Dr. Menachem Lazar’s “Lazar Research” institute. Participants were asked about their positions regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state, Trump’s Gaza emigration plan, normalization with Saudi Arabia, the possibility of Israel bombing Iran’s nuclear program, and concerns about a future war with Egypt, in light of recent reports.
The survey found that 67% of Israelis oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state along the ‘67 lines, including 75% of Israeli Jews and 16% of Israeli Arabs. Some 42% of Israeli Arab respondents support establishing a Palestinian state without conditions (a 10% increase from the previous survey). Similar to previous surveys conducted by the JCFA, the findings also show that opposition to establishing a Palestinian state even if the reward is normalization with Saudi Arabia stands at over 60%.
“The Day After” – What the Israeli Public Is Willing to Accept
Regarding the possibility of Hamas remaining in Gaza as a civil body, 82% of Israelis oppose such a scenario, including 90% of Israeli Jews and 33% of Israeli Arabs. Some 88% of Israelis, including 94% of Israeli Jews and 46% of Israeli Arabs, oppose Hamas remaining as a ruling military body in Gaza after the war ends.
Some 60% of Israelis oppose including the Palestinian Authority as part of a future arrangement in Gaza, including 66% of Israeli Jews and 25% of Israeli Arabs, while 44% of Israeli Arabs favored the inclusion of the PA.
Security Solutions Preferred by Israelis in Light of October 7
Regarding President Trump’s plan for Gaza, 75% of Israelis supported the idea of Gazans migrating elsewhere, while 58% of Israeli Arabs opposed this.
The survey also shows that 71% of Israelis support establishing long-term buffer zones along the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to help prevent future attacks. Additionally, 61% of respondents support Israeli military action against Iran’s nuclear program, with 38% believing it should be achieved in coordination with the United States and 23% supporting unilateral action even without coordination.
In light of recent reports in the media suggesting the possibility of war with Egypt, 55% of Israelis were not concerned about this in the foreseeable future – with no difference between Jewish and Arab respondents in Israel. Some 33% of Israelis still believe that war with Egypt is a possible scenario.
Researchers at the JCFA emphasize that the findings reflect widespread security concerns among the Israeli public, especially after October 7. The survey shows that for most Israelis, the possibility of another attack is a tangible threat that must be addressed.
