War Weariness Amid Ongoing Conflict
Standing beside the shattered windows and cracked walls of her Tel Aviv apartment, Liat Zvi expresses a frustration shared by many Israelis.
"It's depressing… we've been in war for two and a half years and this just feels like another round,"
Her central neighbourhood was struck six weeks ago during Tehran's response to US-Israeli attacks. An Iranian missile bypassed Israel's layered air defence systems and hit a residential building, resulting in the death of 32-year-old caregiver Mary Anne Velasquez de Vera from the Philippines. This marked the first Israeli fatality in the ongoing conflict with Iran, which is currently in a fragile pause.
Like many Israelis, Zvi is reflecting on what the conflict has accomplished for her country and finds it difficult to envision the future.
"It's too much for me to look ahead - it's really hard."
Public Opinion and Poll Findings
Recent polling conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals a sense of war fatigue among Israelis but also indicates that approximately two-thirds oppose the current tentative truce between Washington and Tehran. The majority of respondents believe neither Iran nor Hezbollah in Lebanon has been significantly weakened by recent US and Israeli bombings.
When asked to describe their current emotions, a third of respondents chose "despair," followed by "confusion" and "anger."
Government Objectives and Public Perception
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined three primary objectives at the start of the campaign: eliminating Iran's nuclear weapons capability, destroying its ballistic missile arsenal, and achieving regime change. He has since claimed "huge achievements" and asserted that Israel is reshaping the Middle East.
However, critics argue that none of these goals have been realized. Despite skepticism about the military campaign's success, public opinion is divided on whether Israel should continue its strikes on Iran. Approximately 39.5% support ongoing attacks on Tehran, while 41.4% favor respecting the ceasefire.
The poll surveyed 1,312 Israelis (1,084 Jews and 228 Arabs) on April 9 and 10, representing a cross-section of the population. Among Arab respondents, fewer than 20% supported resuming strikes on Iran.
Jewish-Arab Divide in Public Opinion
Polling throughout the conflict has consistently shown a divide between Israel's Jewish majority and Arab minority. An early poll by the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) found that 61% of the Arab public desired an immediate ceasefire. Another mid-March survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) reported 93% of Jews supported the war on Iran, compared to 26% of Arabs.
Perspectives on the Conflict and Peace
Zvi expresses a firm stance on the conflict with Iran's proxies in the region.
"If we're not going to break sponsoring Iran's proxies [armed groups backed by Iran] around here then it's [the ceasefire] not worth anything,"
"You need to come as strong to the table as you can."
This viewpoint contrasts with a handwritten sign taped across the empty doorframe of her blast-damaged balcony that reads:
"Give Peace a Chance"
Regarding Hezbollah, Zvi believes peace must be postponed until the group disarms.
"I think the majority of Israelis don't want the Lebanon fighting to be over unless Hezbollah give up their arms,"
The Hebrew University poll indicates that most Israelis agree Lebanon should not be included in any Iran ceasefire. Israel, supported by the United States, maintains that the conflict with Hezbollah is a separate issue and that the threat on the northern border must be eliminated.
Conversely, Pakistan, which brokered the ceasefire deal, stated that Lebanon was included, as did Iran, which has threatened to resume attacks if Israeli strikes continue there.
Diplomatic Developments and Ongoing Violence
On Tuesday in Washington DC, ambassadorial-level talks between Lebanon and Israel are scheduled. Although these countries lack formal diplomatic relations, the negotiations represent a diplomatic milestone. However, few expect significant breakthroughs.
Netanyahu reportedly agreed to the talks after President Trump urged a reduction in Israeli attacks on Lebanon following bombardments that occurred shortly after the Iran ceasefire took effect.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that over 350 people, including a third women and children, were killed in air strikes last Wednesday. Since fighting resumed on March 2 after a Hezbollah attack on Israel, more than 2,000 people have died due to Israeli air strikes. Israeli authorities report that Hezbollah has killed twelve Israeli soldiers and two civilians during the same period.
Political Implications Ahead of Elections
Israelis are scheduled to vote in parliamentary elections later this year. Some polls suggest that Netanyahu's popularity has declined due to perceptions of how the conflict with Tehran was handled. Meanwhile, his rival, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, appears to have gained some support.
Polls indicate that roughly 40% of voters intend to support Netanyahu's coalition of nationalist and religious parties, while another 40% back opposition parties. Regarding the 120-member Knesset, Netanyahu's Likud party is expected to remain the largest faction, though his coalition may fall short of a majority.
If the government completes its full term, elections are anticipated in September or October. However, given the recent rapid destabilization of the region and the unpredictability it has introduced, projecting the political landscape six months ahead remains challenging.
Additional reporting by Alba Morgade
