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Israelis Support Military Strikes in Gaza
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most adults in Israel believe their government was right in launching a series of aerial attacks against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to a poll by Maagar Mochot released by Israel Radio. 81 per cent of respondents support the current military operation in Gaza.
In addition, 39 per cent of respondents believe the military action will not stop the Qassam rockets against Israel.
The Islamic Jihad organization launched Qassam rockets into Israel from Gaza almost daily since Hamas took control of the territory in June 2007. Israel holds Hamas responsible for the attacks for allowing the Islamic Jihad and other groups to act against Israel. In June 2008, a six-month calm agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas.
On Dec. 27, Israel launched a series of aerial attacks against what it deems "Hamas targets" in the Gaza Strip, including the Al Aqsa television station and the Islamic University of Gaza. At least 375 people have died, including 62 civilians. Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert declared: "We tried to avoid, and I think quite successfully, to hit any uninvolved people—we attacked only targets that are part of the Hamas organizations."
On Dec. 29, Likud leader and former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the operation, saying, "I think we have to stop the missile firing, but we also have to remove the future threat of such missiles. (...) Long-term, we’re going to have to do something to remove this Iranian Hamas terrorist base at the doorstep of Tel Aviv and our major cities."
Israel’s legislative election will take place on Feb. 10.
Polling Data
Do you support the current military operation in Gaza?
|
Support |
81% |
|
Oppose |
12% |
|
Not sure |
7% |
Will the current operation stop the Qassam rockets against Israel?
|
Forever |
6% |
|
For a long period |
11% |
|
For a short period |
24% |
|
No |
39% |
|
Not sure |
20% |
Source: Maagar Mochot / Israel Radio
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 502 Israeli adults, conducted on Dec. 28, 2008. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.