by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – Public support for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians has reached its lowest point on record, according to a new Pew Research Center poll released this week. Only 21% of Israelis now believe peaceful coexistence is possible — a dramatic decline from the 50% recorded in 2013 when the question was first polled.
The survey, conducted between February 5 and March 11 during a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, reveals a deep erosion of faith in the viability of a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel. Among Jewish Israelis, optimism has dropped to just 16%, while Arab Israelis remain more hopeful, with 40% expressing belief in a peaceful future.
Mistrust Dominates Public Sentiment
The dominant theme emerging from the data is a pervasive lack of trust. A staggering 75% of respondents cited mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians as a “major obstacle” to peace. The status of Jerusalem — claimed by both peoples as their capital — followed closely at 70%, while 52% pointed to Israeli settlements in the West Bank as a significant hindrance.
Despite decades of international negotiations and diplomatic efforts, Pew found that core issues remain unresolved in the minds of most Israelis, with skepticism running deep across the political and ethnic spectrum.
Shift in Views Since October 7 Attacks
The survey shows a sharp decline in support for the two-state framework following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre and subsequent war. Among Israeli Jews, support dropped from 32% in 2023 to 19% in 2024, and now stands at just 16%. Arab Israeli optimism rose slightly to 49% in 2024 but fell again to 40% in 2025.
These findings echo similar results from Gallup in late 2023, which found only 25% of Israelis still supported a Palestinian state, down from 61% in 2013 — a near-total reversal in just over a decade.
Public Divided on Gaza’s Future
On the question of who should govern the Gaza Strip after the war, Israelis remain divided. Only 33% support Israeli governance of Gaza — a drop from 40% in 2024. Among Jewish Israelis, support is higher at 42%, while 45% of Arab Israelis believe Gazans should choose their own leaders.
Just 1% of all respondents said Hamas should govern Gaza in the future. A unity government involving the Palestinian Authority garnered little enthusiasm, with just 6% supporting a model under President Mahmoud Abbas, and 10% without him. A UN-administered Gaza received only 2% support.
US Still Trusted, But Trump’s Role Divides Opinion
Despite growing skepticism toward international institutions, the United States remains the most trusted foreign actor. A full 81% of Israelis view the U.S. as playing a helpful role in the peace process. In contrast, the UN, Iran, and European countries were seen as unhelpful or irrelevant.
President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January, remains a divisive figure. While 42% say he strikes the right balance in Middle East policy, 51% believe he favors Israel too much.
Across the Board, Leaders Lack Public Confidence
The survey highlights a broad crisis of confidence in both Israeli and Palestinian political leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is viewed unfavorably by 53% of Israelis, with opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid faring little worse (54% unfavorable).
On the Palestinian side, views are even harsher: 85% of Israelis hold an unfavorable opinion of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and 80% say the same about imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti.
As the war with Hamas drags into its second year and casualties mount, the Pew survey underscores a bleak shift in public attitudes — a profound loss of hope in the once-dominant idea that two peoples could live peacefully side by side.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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