March 26, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Mar. 26, 2004 - Many Israeli residents support the actions of their government regarding the Hamas Islamic Resistance Movement, according to a poll by Yediot Ahronot. 60 per cent of respondents support the assassination of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmad Yassin.

(CPOD) Mar. 26, 2004 - Many Israeli residents support the actions of their government regarding the Hamas Islamic Resistance Movement, according to a poll by Yediot Ahronot. 60 per cent of respondents support the assassination of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmad Yassin.

On Mar. 22, Yassin was killed—along with seven other people—after an Israeli missile strike. The paraplegic cleric founded Hamas in 1987 along with Abdel Aziz Rantisi. The Israeli government believes Hamas is directly responsible for the deaths of 377 citizens in a variety of attacks, which include dozens of suicide bombings.

On Mar. 24, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal said that his organization has the right to "target the heads of Zionist terrorism in the same way that they have been targeting the symbols of resistance." 81 per cent of respondents believe terrorist acts in Israel will increase as a result of Yassin's assassination.

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose the air strike against Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmad Yassin?

Support	60%
Oppose	32%

Do you think the action will result in more terrorist attacks against Israel?

Yes	81%
No	3%

Source: Yediot Ahronot
Methodology: Interviews to 500 Israeli adults, conducted on Mar. 22, 2004. Margin of error is 4.4 per cent.