Israeli public support for Gaza war erodes as focus shifts to hostages

Israeli public support for the ongoing war in Gaza is waning as the conflict enters its 17th month, with shifting priorities now centered on securing the release of remaining hostages rather than the complete neutralization of Hamas.

Public sentiment shifts amid hostage crisis

When Israel launched its offensive against Hamas in response to the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, the public was united in its resolve to punish the militant group for killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking 250 hostages.

At that time, political divisions were temporarily set aside, and there was widespread support for the war.

However, with Hamas already suffering heavy losses, many Israelis are now more focused on the fate of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

Some reports suggest that as many as 24 hostages may still be alive, and their release has become a priority for many, even those who initially supported the goal of defeating Hamas.

The release of two dozen hostages over the past two months, many of whom were in poor physical condition, has heightened public concern. These images have intensified fears about the remaining hostages, prompting calls for a negotiated settlement to bring them home.

A divided public on the way forward

A recent poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 73% of Israelis supported negotiating with Hamas over an end to the fighting in exchange for the release of the hostages.

Notably, 56% of right-wing Israelis, including 62% of voters from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, expressed support for such a deal according to WSJ.

Although many Israelis still support fully defeating Hamas, they are willing to delay that objective in favor of securing the hostages’ release.

This shift in public sentiment could undermine the war effort, as Israel relies on volunteers, including reservists, for its military operations.

Amos Yadlin, a former Israeli general, pointed out that the focus on hostages has altered the military’s dynamics. “Israelis want Hamas to be destroyed. But they want the hostages to come first,” he said. “And this may reduce the motivation of the reservists to go to another round.”

Political turmoil complicates situation

The shift in public sentiment comes amid ongoing political turmoil. Netanyahu is facing increasing opposition from political rivals, particularly regarding his efforts to gain more control over Israel’s judicial system.

These proposals, which sparked mass protests before the war, have revived political divisions that some analysts argue undermine national unity during the conflict.

Yair Lapid, the leader of the opposition, criticized Netanyahu’s leadership, saying, “Our heroic fighters need a prime minister that they can believe is interested only in the security of the country and the fate of the hostages. That is not the situation today.”

Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized his commitment to the hostages’ release, asserting that military pressure is necessary to secure their freedom. “Our commitment and that of the security forces is to work tirelessly to free your loved ones, our loved ones, both the living and the dead,” Netanyahu said.

Escalating military actions and negotiation deadlock

While public support for renewing the war remains low, Israel has resumed fighting in Gaza, with airstrikes targeting Hamas commanders and infrastructure.

According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 400 people have been killed in the recent strikes, though it is unclear how many were combatants.

Israeli officials have stated that the airstrikes are part of a broader strategy aimed at pressuring Hamas to release the hostages. Analysts suggest that the renewed military actions are more a diplomatic move than a full-scale return to ground warfare.

“The greatest fear of the families, of the hostages, and of the people of Israel has been realized,” the Hostages Families Forum said Tuesday, demanding that Israel return to negotiations with Hamas.

Despite ongoing airstrikes, Israeli officials are still working toward a broader cease-fire agreement, aiming for a permanent resolution that includes the release of all remaining hostages.

Political alliances and the war’s future

The renewed fighting has allowed Netanyahu to strengthen his alliance with far-right parties ahead of key votes on military exemptions for Israel’s ultra-Orthodox population and the national budget.

Netanyahu’s deal with far-right leader Itamar Ben-Gvir, who had previously quit the government in January, marks a return to the coalition as the war continues. Ben-Gvir had been calling for a return to full-scale military operations.

Political analysts suggest that Israel is gambling on the hostage issue to achieve the ultimate goal of removing Hamas from power. Abraham Diskin, a political scientist, warned that the growing internal polarization could have dangerous long-term consequences.

“It’s probably the worst and most dangerous division in the history of Israel since its establishment,” he said. “It really risks our very existence.”