“No End to Gaza War — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Main Goal Is to Retain Power” — 60% of Israelis in Public Opinion Poll
Tel Aviv, May 24, 2025
Most Israeli citizens believe that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is more interested in holding on to power than ending the Gaza war or securing the release of Israeli captives, according to a recent public opinion poll conducted by Israel’s Channel 12.
Power vs. War Victory
In the survey, 60% of respondents think Netanyahu’s real goal is to remain prime minister. In contrast, only 36% believe that freeing the Israeli captives held in Gaza is his top priority.
When asked again, this time focusing on “winning the war” instead of prisoner release, the results showed little difference, indicating widespread public skepticism about Netanyahu’s true intentions on multiple levels.
Why Is No Deal Happening? Public Opinion
Regarding the reason why another ceasefire deal for prisoner release from Gaza has yet to be implemented, 53% of respondents blame political interests. They believe Netanyahu’s government is strategically delaying the issue.
Street Protests and Bloody Symbols
Protests against Netanyahu have intensified in Jerusalem and other cities. One protester wore a mask depicting the prime minister’s face and blood-stained symbolic gloves to express anger over the government’s inactivity on prisoner release.
Pressure on Netanyahu is mounting daily. The prolonged Gaza war, international pressure, and growing internal movements demanding prisoner release are weakening his political position. Although he has maintained his stance, this poll suggests public trust in him is steadily declining.
