Survey Shows Israelis Divided Over Netanyahu’s Motives for Philadelphi Corridor Control
A recent survey conducted by the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute reveals significant divisions among Israelis regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand to maintain control over the Philadelphi Corridor, the strategically crucial strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border.
According to the survey, which was conducted between August 26 and 28, 2024, 58.5% of Jewish respondents believe that Netanyahu’s stance is primarily based on military and strategic considerations essential for Israel’s national security. However, 66.5% of Arab-Israeli respondents perceive Netanyahu’s motives as largely political, intended to prevent a deal that could lead to the release of hostages held by Hamas and other groups.
The survey sampled 600 Jewish and 150 Arab Israelis aged 18 and above, providing a comprehensive snapshot of public opinion across the country. The results underscore the persistent divide in how different segments of the Israeli population view the government’s actions in the ongoing conflict.
This division comes against the backdrop of broader public concern over the national security situation, with tensions continuing to escalate along Israel’s northern and southern borders. The poll revealed that while a majority of Jewish Israelis support the government’s military strategy in Gaza, a significant portion of the Arab-Israeli community sees these actions as politically motivated and potentially detrimental to the peace process.
The Philadelphi Corridor has long been a point of contention, with Israel maintaining control to prevent arms smuggling into Gaza. However, Netanyahu’s insistence on retaining control as part of any hostage release negotiations has sparked controversy, particularly within the Arab-Israeli community, where there is growing skepticism about the government’s intentions.
The survey also found that political orientation plays a crucial role in shaping opinions on this issue. Among Jewish respondents, those on the political Right overwhelmingly view Netanyahu’s demand as a necessary military strategy, with nearly 75% in agreement. In contrast, 75% of those on the Left believe the demand is politically motivated, reflecting a broader mistrust of the government’s actions.
In addition to the Philadelphi Corridor issue, the survey covered other critical topics, including the national mood, optimism about Israel’s future, and the impact of potential threats from Iran and Hezbollah. The findings show that while there is a slight increase in optimism regarding national security among Jewish Israelis, there is still widespread pessimism about the likelihood of a deal to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.
The survey’s timing is particularly significant, as it follows weeks of intense public debate and protests over the government’s handling of the conflict. Just days before the poll, hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets demanding a ceasefire deal after the bodies of six hostages were recovered from Gaza. These demonstrations highlighted the growing pressure on Netanyahu to address the public’s concerns about both the military and political aspects of the ongoing conflict.
