By The Media LineThe Media Line Staff

A recent survey by the Israel Democracy Institute reveals that Israeli citizens are dissatisfied with their government’s performance on several wartime issues. The May 2024 Israeli Voice Index, conducted by the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research, asked respondents to rate the government’s handling of the Gaza war, relations with the US, the conflict with Hezbollah, and the treatment of evacuees from northern and southern Israel. All ratings fell below the midpoint on a scale of 1 to 5, with the lowest scores for public diplomacy efforts abroad (1.97) and treatment of northern evacuees (1.99).

The survey also highlighted stark differences in perspectives between Jewish and Arab Israelis regarding international recognition of a Palestinian state. While nearly half of Arab Israelis attributed this to Israel’s conduct in Gaza, the majority of Jewish Israelis believed it was driven by anti-Israel sentiments or international pressures.

Regarding the International Criminal Court’s plans to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, 50% of Arab respondents cited Israel’s war conduct, while 60% of Jewish respondents blamed long-standing anti-Israel bias.

A significant majority of Israelis, across political orientations, believe the government lacks a clear post-war strategy. Optimism about the future of democracy and national security has also reached record lows, with only 29% and 27.5% expressing optimism, respectively.

Furthermore, 65% of Israelis oppose advancing judicial reforms during the ongoing conflict, fearing it would exacerbate anti-government protests.