As Benjamin Netanyahu has remained steadfast in opposing a ceasefire, up to 80 percent of Israelis say they want the premier to resign after the war

Nearly sixty percent of Israelis are in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza to secure the release of prisoners held by Hamas, according to a new poll published by Hebrew newspaper Maariv on 10 November. “Against the backdrop of increased American pressure and raising the issue of prisoners to the top of the list of priorities among the public, 59 percent of Israelis conditionally support a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, with the main condition for them being the return of all the prisoners,” Maariv said. 

The poll adds that only three percent of Israelis believe an unconditional ceasefire should exist. The Maariv survey comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ultimately rejected calls for a general ceasefire unless all prisoners are released. Israel has instead agreed on daily “humanitarian pauses,” the White House said on Thursday. Washington is reportedly pushing for a pause of at least three days to make way for prisoner release talks – which are currently being mediated by Egypt and Qatar. 

Hamas recently released several Israeli prisoners in exchange for the entry of aid into Gaza. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement’s Quds Brigades said this week that it is willing to release two prisoners for humanitarian purposes. However, the resistance has said that it will only agree to release all its prisoners in exchange for all of those who are being held in Israeli jails, amounting to over 10,000 Palestinians. Per recent polls, 70 to 80 percent of Israelis say they believe Netanyahu should resign after the war for his responsibility in the 7 October attack by the Gaza resistance. 

The Israeli army has faced unprecedented resistance during its ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. Israel has admitted to the deaths of 38 soldiers since expanding ground operations on 27 October and is believed to be hiding many more casualties. According to the Maariv poll, “41 percent support leaving the Gaza Strip, compared to 44 percent who want Israel to remain in control of it.”

A recently leaked intelligence document details an Israeli plan to force the Gazan population into the Sinai desert and reoccupy the strip after the war is over. Israel has denied claims that it plans to reoccupy the strip. However, a US official said on Wednesday that it is likely to impose an initial security presence in Gaza following the war. The poll has also further reflected Israeli society’s dwindling support for Netanyahu. “On the question of suitability for the Prime Minister position, Minister Benny Gantz (former defense minister) … receives 52 percent support compared to 26 percent support for Prime Minister Netanyahu.”

Source: the Cradle