July 30, 2006

Abstract: - Many adults in Lebanon believe Hezbollah is right in fighting Israel, according to a poll by the Beirut Center for Research and Information. 86.9 per cent of respondents support the Lebanese-backed resistance against Israel.

- Many adults in Lebanon believe Hezbollah is right in fighting Israel, according to a poll by the Beirut Center for Research and Information. 86.9 per cent of respondents support the Lebanese-backed resistance against Israel.

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. 70.1 per cent of respondents agree with the capture of the two soldiers.

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. 63.3 per cent of respondents think Israel will never defeat Hezbollah.

On Jul. 28, Lebanese president Emil Lahoud expressed disappointment with the situation, saying, "It makes you so mad inside. If it does to me, what about these people who have got their children, their brothers killed?" Lahoud also outlined his views on Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, declaring, "All Lebanese respect him and I respect him."

Polling Data

Poll highlights

Support for the Lebanese-backed resistance against Israel	86.9%
Agreement with the capture of the two Israeli soldiers	70.1%
Belief that Israel will never defeat Hezbollah	63.3%

Source: Beirut Center for Research and Information
Methodology: Interviews with 800 Lebanese citizens—Sunnis, Shiites, Druze, and Christians—conducted from Jul. 24 to Jul. 26, 2006. No margin of error was provided.