Israeli public opinion shifts on Netanyahu as prime minister regains support

By Khaled Yousef

JERUSALEM (AA) - As Israel's military campaign in Gaza enters its second year, recent polls indicate a surge in public support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government's actions, despite international accusations of human rights violations.

A Sept. 13 survey by the Israeli newspaper Maariv found that 41% of Israelis believe Netanyahu is the most suitable person to lead a coalition government. This marks a significant recovery from earlier polls that showed plummeting approval ratings following the Oct 7, 2023 attacks.

The survey found that 47% view Netanyahu as the best suited for the role of prime minister compared to 34% for opposition leader Yair Lapid.

The results show a rise in Netanyahu's popularity compared to previous opinion polls, which may reflect implicit public support for the continuation of the genocide in Gaza.

According to an earlier poll conducted by Israel's Channel 12 on July 13, 70% of Israelis supported Netanyahu's dismissal, while 44% demanded his immediate resignation.

Another poll conducted on April 12 showed that 35% of Israelis supported Netanyahu.

Similarly, according to a poll conducted on Jan. 4, Netanyahu's support rate remained at only 15%, while the vast majority of Israelis wanted him to resign.

This backing persists despite mounting international pressure and concerns over civilian casualties.

The shift in public opinion comes amid international criticism of Israel's attacks in Gaza.

Amnesty International reported on Sept. 5 that Israeli forces were unjustly destroying civilian homes and facilities in Gaza.

Israel's Foreign Ministry has consistently rejected allegations of genocide, calling them "baseless accusations supported by some" and accusing countries like South Africa of attempting to "demonize" Israel.

- Israel's attacks enters 2nd year

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last Oct. 7, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

More than 41,800 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 96,900 others injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of the territory amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine.
Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.

*Writing by Yasin Gungor