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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Israelis Reject New Conflict with Hezbollah
- Many adults in Israel believe it would be a mistake to attack Lebanon if Hezbollah becomes an integral part of the government, according to a poll by Geocartographia released by Israel Radio. 53.4 per cent of respondents believe Israel should not launch a pre-emptive war.
On Jul. 12, Hezbollah militants based in Lebanon killed eight Israeli soldiers and captured two more in a cross-border attack. The Israeli armed forces launched air strikes inside Lebanese territory to fight Hezbollah, targeting the country's infrastructure and its airport. Hezbollah retaliated by firing rockets into several Israeli towns.
A ceasefire brokered by the United Nations (UN) came into effect on Aug. 14. Security Council Resolution 1701 calls for "a full cessation of hostilities" from both sides and allows Lebanese government troops and a 15,000-member peacekeeping force to enter into southern Lebanon during the withdrawal of Israeli forces, but sets no timetable for the disarmament of Hezbollah or the return of the two abducted Israeli soldiers.
Lebanese voters renewed the Assembly of Representatives last year. In June 2005, Fuad Siniora—a former finance minister—was appointed as Lebanon's new prime minister. In November, six Lebanese ministers, including two members of Hezbollah, quit the cabinet after complaining of the current administration's "anti-Syrian bias."
Yesterday, Olmert ruled out taking part in bilateral talks with Syria, declaring, "Especially its subversive activity against the continued stability of the Lebanese regime, its continued support of the extremist Hamas, do not suggest much chance for negotiations with the Syrians in the near future."
Polling Data
If in the end Hezbollah takes over the Lebanese government, should Israel launch a pre-emptive war against the Lebanese government headed by Hezbollah?
Yes | 38.4% |
No | 53.4% |
Other | 8.3% |
Source: Geocartographia / Israel Radio
Methodology: Interviews with 462 Israeli adults, conducted on Dec. 5, 2006. Margin of error is 4.3 per cent.