American Polls: Attitudes Toward the Peace Process
(2009 - 2020)
Which of the following statements is closer to your view if a two-state solution is not an option? (University of Maryland, December 2018, March 2020)
|
2018
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Republican
|
Democrat
|
Independent
|
Total
|
Republican
|
Democrat
|
Independent
|
Total
|
|
|
I favor the Jewishness of Israel more than its democracy. I support the continuation of Israel’s Jewish majority in the government even if it means that Palestinians will not have citizenship and full rights. |
42% |
12% |
21% |
26% |
49%
|
13%
|
14%
|
29%
|
|
I favor Israel’s democracy more than its Jewishness. I support a single democratic state in which Arabs and Jews are equal even if that means Israel would no longer be a politically Jewish state. |
48% |
78% |
62% |
64% |
44%
|
81%
|
70%
|
63%
|
| Refuse to answer |
10% |
11% |
17% |
11% |
8%
|
7%
|
16%
|
8%
|
In early February, the Trump administration released its Middle East plan addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. How familiar are you with this plan? (University of Maryland, March 2020)
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
|
Very familiar |
4% |
4% |
1% |
4% |
|
Somewhat familiar |
27% |
25% |
15% |
25% |
|
Not very familiar |
37% |
31% |
33% |
34% |
|
Unfamiliar |
32%
|
38%
|
49%
|
36%
|
| Refused |
1% |
2% |
2% |
1% |
Based on what you know, is the plan: (University of Maryland, March 2020)
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
|
Too favorable toward Israel |
12% |
72% |
46% |
42% |
|
Too favorable toward the Palestinians |
8% |
11% |
9% |
10% |
|
About the right balance |
71% |
10% |
29% |
40% |
| DK |
9%
|
6%
|
17%
|
8%
|
| Refused |
1% |
0% |
0% |
<1% |
Based on what you know, what is your opinion of the plan? (University of Maryland, March 2020)
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
|
Favorable |
54% |
5% |
9% |
29% |
|
Unfavorable |
12% |
71% |
53% |
42% |
|
Neither favorable nor unfavorable |
25% |
18% |
29% |
22% |
| DK |
8%
|
6%
|
9%
|
7%
|
| Refused |
1% |
0% |
0% |
1% |
The Trump plan envisions Palestinian control over about 70% of the West Bank and Gaza, which were occupied in the 1967 War, in addition to some territorial exchange. According to the plan, the Palestinian territories will be fragmented but connected through passages and Palestinians would have no control over territorial water, air, security, borders, and no right for alliances with other countries. In your opinion, what would you call an entity with those characteristics? (University of Maryland, March 2020)
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
|
A state |
14% |
3% |
3% |
8% |
|
Occupied territories |
20% |
53% |
53% |
37% |
|
Autonomous region |
13% |
24% |
21% |
18% |
| One state but without equality |
13%
|
24%
|
21%
|
18%
|
| DK |
34%
|
12%
|
6%
|
22%
|
| Refused |
2% |
0% |
0% |
1% |
The plan calls for Israeli annexation of all the Jewish settlements built on the West Bank, which was occupied by Israel in the 1967 War. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements: (University of Maryland, March 2020)
Settlements are illegal under international law and UN resolutions and have been opposed by the international community as well as every single American administration, Democrat and Republican, until the Trump administration. Annexation would reward and encourage violations of international law and norms.
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
|
Strongly disagree |
33% |
7% |
9% |
19% |
|
Somewhat disagree |
14% |
8% |
17% |
11% |
|
Neither agree nor disagree |
29% |
16% |
17% |
22% |
| Somewhat agree |
12%
|
23%
|
20%
|
18%
|
| Strongly agree |
8%
|
46%
|
37%
|
28%
|
| Refused |
5% |
1% |
0% |
3% |
Annexing these settlements would take away Palestinian land that has already been shrunk historically and undermine the viability of a possible contiguous, independent Palestinian state.
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
|
Strongly disagree |
24% |
6% |
3% |
14% |
|
Somewhat disagree |
15% |
7% |
6% |
11% |
|
Neither agree nor disagree |
32% |
27% |
15% |
24% |
| Somewhat agree |
19%
|
28%
|
35%
|
24%
|
| Strongly agree |
4%
|
44%
|
27%
|
24%
|
| Refused |
6% |
1% |
3% |
3% |
The United States should disregard the history of the conflict, international law, and UN resolutions as one must contend with the current reality that Israeli settlements have been built since 1967 across much of the West Bank, which Israel controls already, and take into account that Israel is now much stronger than the Palestinians.
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
|
Strongly disagree |
12% |
46% |
33% |
29% |
|
Somewhat disagree |
10% |
19% |
12% |
15% |
|
Neither agree nor disagree |
34% |
19% |
27% |
26% |
| Somewhat agree |
20%
|
13%
|
27%
|
17%
|
| Strongly agree |
18%
|
3%
|
0%
|
10%
|
| Refused |
7% |
1% |
0% |
4% |
Israel has the right to political sovereignty over the entire West Bank, including the settlements it built there, regardless of the circumstances of its territorial acquisition, and international positions. This is so because of my understanding of the Bible, which gives Israel the right to control these lands, including applying sovereignty over them, and the Jews to settle in them.
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
|
Strongly disagree |
13% |
56% |
44% |
35% |
|
Somewhat disagree |
6% |
17% |
9% |
11% |
|
Neither agree nor disagree |
23% |
17% |
15% |
20% |
| Somewhat agree |
26%
|
6%
|
24%
|
16%
|
| Strongly agree |
29%
|
3%
|
9%
|
16%
|
| Refused |
3% |
1% |
0% |
2% |
Now tell me, which one of these four options is closer to your view? (University of Maryland, March 2020)
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
|
Settlements are illegal under international law and UN resolutions and have been opposed by the international community as well as every single American administration, Democrat and Republican, until the Trump dministration. Annexation would reward and encourage violations of |
8% |
53% |
34% |
31% |
|
Annexing these settlements would take away Palestinian land that has already been shrunk historically and undermine the viability of a possible contiguous, independent Palestinian state. |
11% |
24% |
20% |
17% |
|
The United States should disregard the history of the conflict, international law, and UN resolutions as one must contend with the current reality that Israeli settlements have been built since 1967 across much of the West Bank, which Israel controls already, and take into account that Israel is now much stronger than the Palestinians. |
26% |
14% |
11% |
10% |
| Israel has the right to political sovereignty over the entire West Bank, including the settlements it built there, regardless of the circumstances of its territorial acquisition, and international positions. This is so because of my understanding of the Bible, which gives Israel the right to control these lands, including applying sovereignty over them, and the Jews to settle in them. |
48%
|
7%
|
29%
|
28%
|
| Refused |
8% |
3% |
6% |
5% |
What is your position on the proposal to have Israel annex all the settlements it has built in the West Bank: (University of Maryland, March 2020)
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
|
Support |
56% |
8% |
17% |
31% |
|
Oppose |
16% |
79% |
69% |
48% |
| DK |
26%
|
13%
|
14%
|
19%
|
| Refused |
3% |
0% |
0% |
2% |
e West Bank: (University of Maryland, March 2020)
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
|
Support |
56% |
8% |
17% |
31% |
|
Oppose |
16% |
79% |
69% |
48% |
| DK |
26%
|
13%
|
14%
|
19%
|
| Refused |
3% |
0% |
0% |
2% |
Do you think Donald Trump is - or is not - doing enough to find a peaceful solution to the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians? (Gallup, February 2019)
|
|
Yes, is | No, is not | No Opintion |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Feb 1-10, 2019
|
42%
|
53%
|
5%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George W. Bush
|
|
|
|
|
Feb 11-14, 2008
|
46%
|
47%
|
7%
|
|
Feb 1-4, 2007
|
44%
|
51%
|
5%
|
|
June 7-8, 2002
|
61%
|
28%
|
11%
|
One of the issues of tension between the United States and Israel has been its construction of Israeli settlements in the territories occupied by Israel in the 1967 war. These settlements are considered illegal by most of the international community and have been opposed by every US administration, both Republican and Democratic. The Israeli government has continued to build settlements arguing that they have the right to do so, or that these are not obstacles to peace. How do you believe the US should react to new settlements? (Note: the 2015 survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2018)
|
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 | |
| Do nothing |
27% |
27% |
24% |
25% |
28% |
|
Limit U.S. opposition to words, but take no other action. |
34% |
31% |
28% |
28% |
26% |
|
Impose some economic sanctions, either through the United Nations or unilaterally. |
28% |
27% |
33% |
32% |
28% |
| Take more serious action |
11% |
10% |
13% |
12% |
12% |
| Don't know/refuse to answer |
2% |
5% |
2% |
4% |
6% |
One of the issues of tension between the United States and Israel has been its construction of Israeli settlements in the territories occupied by Israel in the 1967 war. These settlements are considered illegal by most of the international community and have been opposed by every US administration, both Republican and Democratic. The Israeli government has continued to build settlements arguing that they have the right to do so, or that these are not obstacles to peace. How do you believe the US should react to new settlements? (Note: the 2015 survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2015, December 2018)
|
Republican |
Independent |
Democrat |
|||||||||||||
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| Do nothing |
33%
|
30%
|
34%
|
36%
|
38%
|
39%
|
51%
|
34%
|
30%
|
33%
|
14%
|
16%
|
13%
|
13%
|
17%
|
| Impose some economic sanctions, either through the United Nations or unilaterally. |
33% |
38% |
20% |
31% |
30% |
28% |
13% |
20% |
25% |
27% |
37% |
30% |
24% |
25% |
22% |
| Impose economic sanctions |
24% |
20% |
35% |
21% |
17% |
21% |
18% |
35% |
25% |
22% |
34% |
37% |
42% |
43% |
41% |
| Take more serious action |
8% |
6% |
7% |
8% |
9% |
10% |
13% |
7% |
12% |
11% |
13% |
12% |
18% |
15% |
15% |
| Don't know/refuse to answer |
2% |
5% |
5% |
3% |
7% |
2% |
6% |
5% |
7% |
8% |
1% |
5% |
2% |
4% |
6% |
As you may know, the United States has been acting as a mediator between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority, with the aim of reaching an agreement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Whether or not these efforts succeed, there is a question about what kind of future for Israel and the Palestinians the U.S. should be supporting over the long term, and many analysts feel that time is running out for some options. Here are four possible approaches that are frequently discussed. Please select the one you think the U.S. should support. (University of Maryland, December 2018)
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
|
A two-state solution: Israel and a Palestinian state side by side. The Palestinian state would be established on the territories that Israel has occupied since 1967. |
24% |
48% |
31% |
36% |
|
A one-state solution: A single democratic state in which both Jews and Arabs are full and equal citizens, covering all of what is now Israel and the Palestinian Territories. |
33% |
36% |
38% |
35% |
|
Annexation without equal citizenship: Israel would annex the Palestinian territories, but keep a majority-Jewish state in the expanded territories by restricting citizenship rights of Palestinians |
14% |
3% |
4% |
8% |
|
Maintain the occupation of both the territories Israel has captured in 1967 and the Palestinians inhabiting them indefinitely. |
18%
|
5%
|
13%
|
11%
|
| Refuse to answer |
11% |
8% |
14% |
10% |
In general, what role do you want the Trump administration to play in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Should the Trump administration...
(University of Maryland, December 2018)
|
Republican |
Democrat |
Independent |
Total |
|
| Lean toward Israel |
57% |
7% |
18% |
30% |
| Lean toward the Palestinians |
3% |
8% |
3% |
5% |
| Lean toward neither side |
36% |
82% |
74% |
62% |
| Refuse to answer |
4% |
3% |
5% |
4% |
"Do you think a way can be found for Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully with each other, or not?" (Quinnipiac University Poll. Dec. 13-18, 2017)
|
2017
|
|
| A way can be found |
48% |
| Don't think a way can be found |
41% |
|
Unsure/No answer |
11% |
"In the Middle East conflict, do you think the United States should take Israel's side, take the Palestinians' side, or not take either side?" (CNN, Dec. 14-17, 2017
|
2011
|
2015
|
2017
|
|
| Israel's side | 32% |
29% |
24% |
| Palestinians' side | 1% |
2% |
2% |
|
Not take either side |
65% |
66% |
67% |
| Unsure/Refused | 2% | 3% | 7% |
The greater block to peace negotiations is... (Harvard-Harris, March 2017)
| Israel |
42% |
| Palestinians |
58% |
Can a way be found for Israel and an Independent Palestinian state to coexist peacefully, or not? (Pew, January 2017)
|
2016
|
2017
|
|
| Yes |
50% |
53% |
| No |
42% |
39% |
|
Not sure |
8% |
6% |
In general, what role do you want the United States to play in mediating the Israeli Palestinian conflict? Should the United States...
(Note: this survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2015)
|
Republican |
Independent |
Democrat |
Total |
|
| Lean towards Israel |
45% |
13% |
19% |
29% |
| Lean towards the Palestinians |
2% |
3% |
4% |
3% |
| Lean towards neither side |
51% |
80% |
75% |
66% |
| Don't know/refuse to answer |
1% |
4% |
2% |
2% |
Are you in favor of a 2-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? (Washington Post/ABC News, March 2015)
| Yes, I would support a 2-state solution |
39% |
| No, I would not support a 2-state solution |
36% |
| Not sure |
25% |
In order to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, do you think the United States should put more pressure on the Palestinians to make necessary compromises, or put more pressure on the Israelis to make the necessary compromises? (Gallup, February 2015)
|
February 2007 |
February 2008 |
February 2015 |
|
| More pressure on the Palestinians |
39% |
38% |
48% |
| More pressure on the Israelis |
30% |
25% |
25% |
| More on both |
11% |
15% |
10% |
| Not more on either |
10% |
10% |
8% |
| No opinion |
10% |
11% |
10% |
Do you think there will or will not come a time when Israel and the Arab nations will be able to settle their differences and live in peace? (Gallup, February 2015, CNN, Dec. 14-17, 2017 )
| Yes, there will be a time | No, there will not | No Opinion | |
| Dec. 2017** |
39%
|
56%
|
6%
|
| Feb 2014 |
33% |
64% |
3% |
| March 2013** |
32%
|
66%
|
2%
|
| Feb 2012 |
38% |
60% |
2% |
| Feb 2011 |
38% |
60% |
2% |
| Feb 2010 |
30% |
67% |
3% |
| Feb 2009 |
32% |
66% |
2% |
| 2008 |
39% |
59% |
2% |
| Feb. 2007 |
34% |
63% |
3% |
| Feb. 2006 |
32% |
65% |
2% |
| Feb. 2005 |
49% |
48% |
3% |
| Nov 2004 |
37% |
60% |
3% |
| June 2003* |
38% |
60% |
2% |
| May 2003 |
51% |
46% |
3% |
| Apr 2002 |
36% |
61% |
3% |
| Feb 2002 |
37% |
59% |
4% |
| Aug. 2001 |
32% |
64% |
4% |
| Feb 2001 |
41% |
56% |
3% |
| Jan 2000 |
49% |
45% |
6% |
| July 1999 |
49% |
47% |
4% |
| Dec 1998 |
40% |
56% |
4% |
| Aug. 1997 |
36% |
56% |
8% |
**CNN poll
Thinking about the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Middle East, please tell me whether, in general, you think America should be...? (CNN/ORC, February 2015)
| A strong supporter of Israel |
27%
|
| A supporter of Israel |
26%
|
| A supporter of the Palestinians |
8%
|
| A strong supporter of the Palestinians |
3%
|
| Don't know/refuse to answer |
37%
|
In general, what role do you want to see the US play in mediating the conflict? (The Brookings Institution, December 2014)
| Lean toward neither side |
64%
|
| Lean toward the Palestinians |
4%
|
| Lean toward the Israelis |
31%
|
| Refused to answer |
0%
|
If a 2 state solution is not possible, which of the following statements do you agree with more? (The Brookings Institution, December 2014)
| I favor Israel's democracy more than it's Jewishness. I support a single democratic state in which Arabs are equal to Jews. | 71% |
| I support Israel's Jewishness more than it's democracy. I support the continuation of Israel's Jewish majority even if it means that Palestinians will not have citizenship and full rights. | 24% |
| Refused to answer | 5% |
Which of the following should the US support? (The Brookings Institution, December 2014)
| Maintaining occupation of both the territories Israel has captured in 1967 and the Palestinians inhabbiting them indefinitely | 14% |
| Israeli annexation of the Palestinian territory without equal citizenship | 8% |
| A one state solution in which Israelis and Arabs share full equal citizenship, covering all of the current Israeli and Palestinian territories | 34% |
| A 2 state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with an Israeli state and a Palestinian state existing side by side | 39% |
| Refused to answer | 4% |
If a two state solution fails, would you personally favor a bi-national democratic state, or a state which deprives Palestinians of citizenship? (The University of Maryland, November 2014)
| Bi-national, democratic state |
71%
|
| State that deprives Palestinians of citizenship |
29%
|
Would you want our elected representatives in Washington to advocate for a single bi-national state with equal citizenship for Arabs and Jews as a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict? (The University of Maryland, November 2014)
| Yes, Washington should push for a single bi-national state with equal citizenship for Israelis and Arabs as a solution to the conflict. |
34%
|
As you may have heard, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have announced that they will form a unity government. Please indicate which side you agree with more, even if neither is entirely right... (Paragon/The Israel Project, May 2-4, 2014)
| Israel says that it cannot be expected to negotiate with a government or party that does not recognize its right to exist and seeks to destroy it |
46%
|
| The Palestinians say that a unity government of all Palestinians is the first step to lasting peace |
18%
|
Following the announcement of the Palestinian unity government, peace tralks between the Israelis and Palestinians came to a halt. Each side has blamed the other for the negotiations stopping, please indicate which side you agree with more, even if neither is entirely right... (Paragon/The Israel Project, May 2-4, 2014)
A) Israeli statement: Israel says that it can no longer negotiate with the Palestinian Authority now that they are forming a unity government with Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu has said, "Does he [Abbas] want peace with Hamas or peace with Israel? You can have one but not the other. I hope he chooses peace."
B) Palestinian statement: The Palestinian Authority spokesperson for President Abbas says, "The choice of unifying the Palestinian people enforces peace, and there is no contradiction whatsoever between reconciliation and negotiations." The Palestinians declare that Israel which has stolen their land, destroyed their economy, and has pushed young Palestinians to become freedom fighters. Israel should return to the table and negotiate with the entire Palestinian people, including Hamas.
| Israeli statement |
48%
|
| Palestinian statement |
20%
|
Over the past six months, do you think the situation between Israel and the Palestinians has improved, worsened or stayed about the same? (ADL, October 23, 2011)
|
2005 |
2007 |
2009 |
2011 |
|
| Improved |
39% |
9% |
5% |
6% |
| Worsened |
9% |
20% |
26% |
27% |
| Stayed about the same |
45% |
59% |
58% |
58% |
IF WORSENED, who do you think is primarily responsible for this chance, Israel or the Palestinians? (ADL, October 23, 2011)
|
2009 |
2011 |
|
| Israel |
22% |
26% |
| Palestinians |
51% |
56% |
In your opinion, how serious is Israel about wanting to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians -- is it very serious, somewhat serious, not very serious, or not at all serious? (ADL, October 23, 2011)
|
2003 |
2005 |
2007 |
2009 |
2011 |
|
| Very serious |
25% |
30% |
22% |
21% |
25% |
| Total |
70% |
74% |
65% |
64% |
63% |
In your opinion, how serious are the Palestinian leaders about wanting to reach a peace agreement with Israel -- are they very serious, somewhat serious, not very serious, or not at all serious? (ADL, October 23, 2011)
|
2009 |
2011 |
|
| Serious |
37% |
44% |
| Not Serious |
50% |
43% |
Americans believe it is up to the Palestinians and the Israelis to negotiate the final terms of peace with minimal involvement from the United States. (ADL, October 23, 2011)
|
2005 |
2007 |
2009 |
2011 |
|
| "Peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians will never take place without the continuing leadership and involvement of the U.S. government." |
31% |
30% |
39% |
27% |
| "It is up to the Palestinians and the Israelis to solve their own problems; any lasting peace agreement between them must be reached with minimal involvement from the U.S." |
59% |
60% |
48% |
64% |
Which of these two statements is closest to your own view? (ADL, October 23, 2011)
|
2007 |
2009 |
2011 |
|
| "The peace process will be strengthened by the creation of a Palestinian state as soon as possible." |
26% |
23% |
22% |
| "A Palestinian state must not be established until Palestinians demonstrate a commitment to end violence and accept Israel's legitimacy." |
52% |
56% |
58% |
Americans agree that Israel and the Palestinians should engage in direct negotiations without any of the preconditions Palestinian leaders have demanded. (ADL, October 23, 2011)
Asked to choose, Americans supported direct negotiations between Israel and Palestinian leaders without prior agreements or preconditions.
| "Israel and Palestinian leaders should engage in direct negotiations without any preconditions." |
50% |
| "Israel should accept preconditions before direct negotiations take place." |
30% |
Support for direct negotiations without preconditions increased among Americans after learning it's a position the U.S. government backs .
| "Israel and Palestinian leaders should engage in direct negotiations without any preconditions, a position the U.S. government supports." |
55% |
| "Israel should accept preconditions before direct negotiations take place." |
27% |
Which statement is closest to your own view? (ADL, October 23, 2011)
| "Because of the stalemate in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, the UN should vote to make Palestine an independent state." |
28% |
| "Direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians are the only appropriate way to create a Palestinian state." |
52% |
Which of these next two statements is closest to your own view? (ADL, October 23, 2011)
| "It is important for the U.S. to work with emerging Arab democracies like Tunisia and Egypt, even if it means weakening our strong relationship with Israel." |
40% |
| "The U.S. has a moral and strategic obligation to keep our relationship with Israel strong, even if this means weakening our relationship with the Arab world." |
39% |
Who do you blame more for the failure to achieve a peace settlement in the Middle East - the Israelis, the Palestinians or both equally? (Quinnipiac University/The Israel Project, October 3, 2011)
|
Israelis |
Palestinians |
Both |
|
| GOP |
3% |
39% |
53% |
| IND |
7% |
19% |
68% |
| DEM |
8% |
9% |
70% |
| Total |
6% |
22% |
64% |
Thinking about possible actions regarding the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians: (The Israel Project)
Some Palestinian leaders, like Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, have suggested that the Palestinians break the stalemate and unilaterally declare an independent Palestinian state without a signed peace treat with Israel. Would you support or oppose the Palestinians doing this?
|
April 2011 |
June 2011 |
|
| Support |
31% |
25% |
| Oppose |
51% |
57% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
18% |
18% |
Some Palestinian leaders, like Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, have voiced an intention to seek recognition of a Palestinian state from the United Nations this September without a negotiated peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. If this issue is brought up in the UN, should the U.S. government support or oppose the UN resolution recognizing a unilaterally declared Palestinian state without a peace agreement between the parties?
|
June 2011 |
|
| Support |
28% |
| Oppose |
61% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
11% |
If the Palestinians do not sign a peace treaty with Israel, do you think the United States should recognize a unilaterally-declared Palestinian state?
|
April 2011 |
|
| Yes |
33% |
| No |
54% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
12% |
With regards to the possible United Nations General Assembly vote to recognize a Palestinian state, which of the following statements do you agree with more? (The Israel Project, June 2011)
|
If the United Nations General Assembly votes to recognize a Palestinian state it will help strengthen the position of the Palestinian Authority and make an agreement with Israel more likely. |
34% |
|
If the United Nations General Assembly votes to recognize a Palestinian state without any negotiations between Israel and Palestinians, it will make an agreement with Israel less likely. |
50% |
With regards to the possible United Nations General Assembly vote to recognize a Palestinian state, which of the following statements do you agree with more? (The Israel Project, June 2011)
|
If the United Nations General Assembly votes to recognize a Palestinian state it will help pressure Israel to make helpful concessions and make peace easier to achieve. |
31% |
|
If the United Nations General Assembly votes to recognize a Palestinian state it will only harden extremists on both sides and make peace much harder to achieve. |
57% |
Which of the following statements do you agree with more? (The Israel Project, June 2011)
|
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is really about land. Once agreements are reached on how to divide Jerusalem and establishing borders, the two sides can achieve a peace agreement. |
27% |
|
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is about ideology and religion. The two sides can achieve a peace agreement only when they acknowledge each other's right to exist. |
64% |
Based on what you have recently seen, read or heard, how much of an effort is Israel making to achieve peace? (The Israel Project, April 2011)
| A big effort |
12% |
| Somewhat of an effort |
49% |
| Not much of an effort |
25% |
| No effort |
4% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
9% |
Based on what you have recently seen, read or heard, how much of an effort are the Palestinians making to achieve peace? (The Israel Project, April 2011)
| A big effort |
2% |
| Somewhat of an effort |
34% |
| Not much of an effort |
35% |
| No effort |
18% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
11% |
Which of the following do you think is primarily responsible for the conflict? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)
| The presence of Jewish communities in the West Bank |
12.2% |
| Arab denial of Israel's right to exist and terrorism |
57.4% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
30.4% |
Should Palestinians recognize Israel as the Jewish State? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)
| Yes |
77.9% |
| No |
6.0% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
16.1% |
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "Only diplomacy and negotiations can end the rockets and terror against Israel." (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)
| Agree |
47.9% |
| Disagree |
40.8% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
11.3% |
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "Israeli policies toward the Palestinians forces them essentially to become terrorists." (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)
| Agree |
27.1% |
| Disagree |
58.8% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
14.1% |
If a Palestinian state was created, do you think terrorism against Israel would increase, decrease or be unchanged? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)
| Increased |
25.5% |
| Decreased |
18.7% |
| Be unchanged |
41.2% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
14.6% |
If a Palestinian state was created, do you think anti-American sentiment in the Arab World would increase, decrease or be unchanged? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)
| Increased |
22.1% |
| Decreased |
15.7% |
| Be unchanged |
50.2% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
12.0% |
Should Jerusalem remain as Israel's undivided capital in any peace agreement with the Palestinians? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)
| Yes |
50.9% |
| No |
20.4% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
28.7% |
As part of a Middle Eastern peace agreement, should Palestinian leaders be required to acknowledge Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state? (Rasmussen)
|
March 2010 |
September 2010 |
|
| Yes |
75% |
77% |
| No |
6% |
7% |
| Not sure |
20% |
16% |
As part of a Middle Eastern peace agreement, should Israel be required to accept the creation of a Palestinian state? (Rasmussen, September 2010)
| Yes |
51% |
| No |
27% |
| Not sure |
22% |
How likely is it that Palestinian leaders will acknowledge Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state? (Rasmussen, September 2010)
| Very likely |
6% |
| Somewhat likely |
19% |
| Not very likely |
45% |
| Not at all likely |
19% |
| Not sure |
11% |
How likely is it that Israel will accept the creation of a Palestinian state? (Rasmussen, September 2010)
| Very likely |
6% |
| Somewhat likely |
36% |
| Not very likely |
38% |
| Not at all likely |
9% |
| Not sure |
10% |
Thinking about both sides in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, who do you believe is more committed to reaching an agreement? (The Israel Project, September 2010)
| Israel |
61% |
| The Palestinians |
11% |
| Both |
3% |
| Neither |
10% |
| Don't know/refused to answer |
15% |
How committed do you think the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is to reaching a peace agreement with the Palestinians? (The Israel Project)
|
June 2009 |
October 2009 |
May 2010 |
September 2010 |
|
| Very committed |
7% |
12% |
10% |
17% |
| Somewhat committed |
39% |
41% |
43% |
41% |
| Just a little committed |
23% |
21% |
20% |
19% |
| Not committed at all |
16% |
15% |
15% |
19% |
| Don't know/refused to answer |
14% |
12% |
12% |
14% |
How committed do you think the Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank and is led by President Mahmoud Abbas, is to reaching a peace agreement with Israel? (The Israel Project)
|
June 2009 |
October 2009 |
May 2010 |
September 2010 |
|
| Very committed |
3% |
2% |
4% |
6% |
| Somewhat committed |
31% |
33% |
27% |
34% |
| Just a little committed |
22% |
25% |
22% |
23% |
| Not committed at all |
27% |
32% |
33% |
23% |
| Don't know/refused to answer |
17% |
8% |
13% |
14% |
And thinking again about the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, which statement do you agree with most? (The Israel Project)
|
March 2010 |
September 2010 |
|
| The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is really about land. Once agreements are reached on dividing Jerusalem and establishing borders, the two sides will live side-by-side in peace. |
18.7% |
32% |
| The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is about ideology and religion. The two sides will live in peace only when they acknowledge each other's right to exist. |
72.8% |
63% |
| Don't know/refused to answer |
8.5% |
6% |
Which of the following is the greater obstacle to moving ahead on peace negotiations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? (The Israel Project, May 2010)
| The culture of hate among Palestinians that glorifies terrorists. |
54% |
| The Israeli government building Jewish housing in mostly Palestinian areas of East Jerusalem. |
25% |
| Don't know/refused to answer |
20% |
Thinking about the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Middle East, please tell me, in general, which of the following you think the United States should be. (The Israel Project)
|
March 2010 |
May 2010 |
|
| A strong supporter of Israel |
39.4% |
31% |
| A supporter of Israel |
22.8% |
25% |
| A supporter of the Palestinians |
3.4% |
5% |
| A strong supporter of the Palestinians |
2.1% |
2% |
| Don't support either side |
14.0% |
21% |
| Support both sides equally |
6.7% |
- |
| Don't know/refused to answer |
11.6% |
9% |
Please tell me how much you agree with the following statement: "Enemies of America use the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as an excuse to create anti-American sentiment. Even if the dispute is settled, they would find another excuse to justify hostility towards America." (The Israel Project, March 2010)
| Strongly agree |
51.6% |
| Somewhat agree |
28.9% |
| Neutral |
8.1% |
| Somewhat disagree |
5.3% |
| Strongly disagree |
4.1% |
| Don't know/refused to answer |
2.0% |
Within the next decade, how likely is it that there will be lasting peace between the Palestinians and Israel? (Rasmussen, March 2010)
|
Very likely |
2% |
|
Somewhat likely |
14% |
| Not very likely |
54% |
| Not at all likely |
19% |
| Not sure |
10% |
As part of a Middle Eastern peace agreement, should Israel be required to stop building new settlements in occupied Palestinian territory? (Rasmussen, March 2010)
|
Yes |
49% |
|
No |
22% |
| Not Sure |
29% |
Which statement is closest to your own opinion? (The Israel Project, March 2010)
|
With all the problems that America is facing at home now, we should reduce our efforts to create a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. |
29% |
|
Even with all the problems that America faces at home now, we must still work hard to create a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. |
56% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
4% |
*Asked of a half sample.
Over the past six months, do you think the situation between Israel and the Palestinians has improved, worsened, or stayed about the same? (ADL)
|
2005 |
2007 |
2009 |
|
| Improved |
39% |
9% |
5% |
| Worsened |
9% |
20% |
26% |
| Stay about the same |
45% |
59% |
58% |
Which of these two statements is closest to your own view? (ADL)
|
2007 |
2009 |
|
|
The peace process will be strengthened by the creation of a Palestinian state as soon as possible. |
26% |
23% |
|
A Palestinian state must not be established until Palestinians demonstrate a commitment to end violence and accept Israel's legitimacy. |
52% |
56% |
Which of these two statements is closest to your own view? (ADL, October 2009)
| If Israel completely stops all further construction of settlements, the Palestinians would be prepared to negotiate with Israel to achieve a final resolution of the conflict. |
25% |
| Currently there are two Palestinian governments--one on the West Bank and one in Gaza. These two governments completely disagree about the future of the Palestinian and Israeli relationship. There can be no final resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict until there is one unified Palestinian government. |
51% |
Which of these two statements is closest to your own view? (ADL, October 2009)
| If Israel completely stops all further construction of settlements, the leaders of the Arab countries will be prepared to negotiate a lasting peace with Israel and recognize Israel's right to exist. |
25% |
| If Israel completely stops all further construction of residential settlements, the leaders of the Arab world will continue to refuse to recognize Israel's right to exist. |
53% |
In discussing their hopes for Middle East peace, senior officials in the Obama administration have said that this moment in history presents a unique opportunity for Israel and the Palestinians to move the peace process forward and come to a lasting agreement. With these remarks as background, which view is closer to your own: (ADL, October 2009)
| The Israelis and the Palestinians will never have a better opportunity to reach a peace agreement than they do this moment. |
29% |
| The differences between the Israelis and the Palestinians will drag on for years. |
61% |
I’d like to read you a series of short statements. After I read each one, please tell me whether it is extremely important, very important, somewhat important or not that important in helping to bring peace in the Middle East. (The Israel Project, January 2009)
|
Important |
Not Important |
DK/REF |
|
| Stopping Iran from arming, funding and training terrorists |
87% |
11% |
2% |
| Getting Palestinians to stop teaching hate |
90% |
8% |
2% |
| Getting Palestinians to stop shooting rockets into Israel |
91% |
8% |
1% |
| Getting Iran to stop its nuclear program |
76% |
22% |
1% |
| Getting Israel to stop its military incursions into Gaza |
41% |
53% |
6% |
| Getting Israel to open all the borders to Gaza so that goods and services can flow freely to Palestinians |
41% |
55% |
4% |
| Getting Israel to stop expanding its settlements and give up land to the Palestinians |
38% |
54% |
8% |
Which statement is closest to your own opinion? (The Israel Project, January 2009)
|
With all the problems that America is facing at home now, we should reduce our focus on the problems in the Middle East. |
33% |
|
Even with all the problems that America faces at home now, we must still work hard to help bring peace to the Middle East. |
65% |
| Don't know/Refused to answer |
1% |
Thinking again about the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, which statement do you agree with more? (The Israel Project)
|
March 2008 |
January 2009 |
|
|
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is really about land. Once agreements are reached on dividing Jerusalem and establishing borders, the two sides will live side-by-side in peace. |
24% |
19% |
|
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is about ideology and religion. The two sides will live in peace only when they acknowledge each other’s right to exist. |
69% |
73% |
|
DK |
6% |
5% |
| Refused |
1% |
2% |
How confident are you that the incoming Obama administration can resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians? Are you … (McClatchy / Ipsos, January, 6, 2009)
| Very confident |
10% |
| Somewhat confident |
32% |
| Not too confident |
22% |
| Not at all confident |
29% |
| (DK/NS) |
7% |
(Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)
|
April 2003
|
July 2005
|
October 2005
|
April 2006
|
January 2008
|
|
| Now, thinking about the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Middle East, please tell me whether, in general, do you think AMERICA SHOULD be a strong supporter of Israel, a supporter of Israel, a supporter of the Palestinians or a strong supporter of the Palestinians | |||||
| -->Israel |
23
|
38
|
34
|
48
|
61
|
| -->The Palestinians |
71
|
46
|
51
|
43
|
23
|
|
Warm
|
Cool
|
||||
| Palestinians: Now, I'd like you to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. You can use any number from zero to one hundred, the higher the number the more favorable your feelings are toward that person or organization |
15%
|
49%
|
|||
| Abbas: Now, I'd like you to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. You can use any number from zero to one hundred, the higher the number the more favorable your feelings are toward that person or organization |
10%
|
53%
|
|||
|
The Palestinian Leadership
|
The Arab States
|
Israel
|
The Palestinians
|
||
| Who is mostly responsible that the Palestinians have been refugees and do not have a state? |
35%
|
16%
|
15%
|
15%
|
|
(Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)
|
The Governments
|
The People
|
|||||||
|
Israel committed
|
Israel NOT committed
|
Palestinians committed
|
Palestinians NOT committed
|
Israel committed
|
Israel NOT committed
|
Palestinians committed
|
Palestinians NOT committed
|
|
| How committed do you think the Israeli/Palestinian government/people are to reaching a peace agreement with Israel/the Palestinians? |
66%
|
29%
|
44%
|
51%
|
58%
|
39%
|
34%
|
63%
|
Now let me read you some pairs of short statements. Please tell me which statement comes closer to your view. (Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)
|
Actions understandable
|
Overreactions
|
|
| Israel's actions toward the Palestinians are understandable given the security threat they face OR Israel's actions toward the Palestinians are an overreaction to the security threat they face |
63%
|
29%
|
|
Attacks must stop
|
Attacks will not stop
|
|
| Palestinians must stop attacks on Israel before there can be a Palestinian state OR Palestinian attacks on Israel will not stop until there is a Palestinian state |
53%
|
37%
|
|
Reduce terrorism
|
Not have much impact
|
|
| A peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians would reduce terrorism around the world OR A peace agreement between Isarel and the Palestinians would not have much of an impact on terrorism around the world |
43%
|
55%
|
|
Solely Palestinian state
|
Secure borders
|
|
| The goal of peace talks in the Middle East should solely be the creation of a Palestinian state OR The goal of peace talks in the Middle East should be both a Palestinian state and peace and security in recognized borders for Israel and the Palestinians |
12%
|
81%
|
|
Palestinian state
|
Recognition
|
|
| The goal of peace talks in the Middle East should be the creation of a Palestinian state OR The goal of peace talks in the Middle East should be an end to terrorism and attacks on Israel, full recognition of Israel by Arab states and a Palestinian state |
30%
|
60%
|
From what you have seen, read or heard recently regarding the Acting Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, do you believe that Ehud Olmert is a leader who is COMMITTED TOWARD PEACE with the Palestinians, or is a leader who is NOT INTERESTED IN PEACE? (The Israel Project National Survey, 2006)
| Committed Toward Peace |
25%
|
| Not Interested in Peace |
14%
|
| Don't Know |
59%
|
From what you have seen, read or heard recently regarding the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon do you believe he is a leader who is COMMITTED TOWARD PEACE with the Palestinians, or is a leader who is NOT INTERESTED IN PEACE? (The Israel Project National Survey, 2006)
| Strongly Committed Toward Peace |
52%
|
| Committed Toward Peace |
17%
|
| Strongly Not Interested in Peace |
8%
|
| Not Interested in Peace |
5%
|
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