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Most Israelis Support Lebanon Incursion
- Adults in Israel continue to stand by their government's decision to launch attacks against a neighbouring nation, according to a poll by the Dahaf Institute published in Yediot Ahronot. 82 per cent of respondents think the military operation in Lebanon is justified, down four points since mid-July.
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 has retaliated by firing rockets into several Israeli towns.
The Lebanese Internal Security Forces have reported that 421 people have been killed and 1,661 have been injured. According to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), 52 Israelis—19 civilians and 33 soldiers—have died during the conflict. In addition, 1,233 Israelis have been wounded.
On Jul. 28, Israeli defence minister Amir Peretz dismissed concerns that Israel intends to mobilize against Syria, declaring, "We have said on numerous occasions that we have no intention of an offensive toward Syria. We hope that Hezbollah does not drag Damascus into the conflict." 48 per cent of respondents think Israel should continue fighting until Hezbollah is completely eradicated, 30 per cent say the war should continue until the group pulls out of the border, and 21 per cent would cease hostilities and begin negotiations.
Polling Data
Do you think the military operation in Lebanon is justified?
Jul. 27 | Jul. 17 | |
Yes | 82% | 86% |
No | 18% | 14% |
What should Israel do now?
Jul. 27 | Jul. 17 | |
Fighting should continue until | 48% | 58% |
Fighting should continue until | 30% | 23% |
Israel should stop fighting | 21% | 17% |
Source: Dahaf Institute / Yediot Ahronot
Methodology: Interviews with 513 Israeli adults, conducted on Jul. 27, 2006. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.