Polls & Research

Many Israelis Fear Iran, Feel Threatened

- Many adults in Israel are concerned about the current situation, according to a poll by Teleseker published in Maariv. 54 per cent of respondents fear for the very existence of the State of 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 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.

In December, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad suggested that Israel be removed from the Middle East and questioned the Holocaust, saying, "They have fabricated a legend under the name 'Massacre of the Jews' and they hold it higher than God himself, religion itself and the prophets themselves." 54 per cent of respondents believe Iran is the most dangerous threat for the State of Israel, followed by the Palestinians and Hamas with eight per cent.

Yesterday, Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert announced a plan to allocate $650 million U.S. to specific programs that will benefit the northern areas of Israel, saying, "I believe that these investments will catapult the region to a totally different standard of living."

Polling Data

Do you fear for the very existence of the State of Israel?

What do you think is the most dangerous threat for the State of Israel today?