Survey of the Institute for National Security Studies in Israel
The results of a survey conducted by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Israel between August 8-11 have been announced. The survey was conducted using a random sample of the opinions of 992 Israeli respondents.
Nearly half of Israeli Jews who participated in the survey support the attacks that have killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, injured nearly 100,000, and largely destroyed Gaza since October 7. This situation reveals the attitude of Israeli society during the war and their perception of international law .
Participants 47 percent, is of the opinion that the army “does not need to comply with international law and moral values” in the attacks it has carried out in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 42.5 percentbelieves that “international law and moral values must be observed in war.” The rest 10.5 percentdid not express a clear opinion on this matter.
The Israelis 32 percentWhile stating that the assassinations of Hamas Political Bureau Chairman Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah Commander Fuad Shukur did not increase Israel’s security, 14 percentThis situation has become a little worse, 6 percentstates that it makes the situation very difficult. On the other hand, 13 percentassassinations greatly increased security, 25 percentthinks that it has increased slightly. The participants in the survey 10 percentdid not give a clear answer on this issue.
In addition, participants 9 percentAssassinations increase the opportunity to reach a prisoner swap agreement in Gaza, 15 percentIt increased a little bit, 29 percentthinks that these assassinations do not increase the opportunity for agreement. 18.5 percentthat this opportunity has been reduced somewhat, 16.5 percentstates that it has seriously damaged this opportunity.
Participants 56 percentbelieving that soldiers suspected of serious violations against a Palestinian prisoner should only receive disciplinary action without facing criminal prosecution, even if other evidence strengthens suspicions against them. 28 percentArgues that criminal prosecution should be initiated against these soldiers.
Another theme that stands out in the survey is the view that prison officers accused of sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee should not face criminal charges. The majority think they should only be subject to disciplinary investigations into such allegations. In July, nine Israeli soldiers were arrested for allegedly raping a Palestinian detained in Sde Teiman in the Negev desert.
