Fact Check: A majority of Israelis support the genocide in Gaza

Fact Check: A Majority of Israelis Support the Genocide in Gaza

What We Know

Recent polling data indicates a significant portion of the Israeli population holds extreme views regarding the situation in Gaza. A survey conducted by Professor Tamir Sorek of Pennsylvania State University and published in Haaretz found that 82% of Jewish Israelis support the expulsion of residents from Gaza, with 54% expressing strong support for such measures. Additionally, the poll revealed that 47% of respondents agreed with the notion that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) should act without moral constraints when conquering enemy cities (source-2).

Other surveys corroborate these findings, with a Channel 13 poll indicating that 72% of Israelis supported a plan for the exile of Palestinians, and a Tel Aviv University Peace Index survey showing 62% of Jewish Israelis favoring the evacuation of Palestinians from Gaza, even by force (source-1, source-3). Furthermore, the context of these attitudes reflects a broader trend of radicalization within Israeli society, particularly among religious Zionists, as noted by various analysts (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that a majority of Israelis support "genocide" is rooted in the interpretation of these polling results. While the term "genocide" is legally defined and involves the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, the survey results suggest a troubling acceptance of extreme measures against Palestinians. The high percentages of support for expulsion and military action raise ethical concerns and indicate a shift in public sentiment towards more aggressive policies.

However, it is crucial to assess the reliability of the sources reporting these findings. The poll conducted by Sorek is described as methodologically sound, with a large sample size and appropriate demographic weighting (source-1). Critics, however, argue that the framing of survey questions can significantly influence responses. For instance, Sorek's use of a "forced choice" method, which does not allow for neutral responses, may lead to inflated support figures compared to other surveys that offer such options (source-1).

Moreover, while some sources emphasize the radicalization of public opinion, others highlight that not all Israelis support extreme measures. For example, a significant portion of respondents in Sorek's survey expressed a desire for the IDF to act with some moral constraints (source-1). This nuance suggests that while there is substantial support for harsh policies, it does not uniformly equate to a consensus for genocide as defined by international law.

Conclusion

The claim that "a majority of Israelis support the genocide in Gaza" is Partially True. While polling data indicates a significant number of Israelis support extreme measures against Palestinians, including expulsion and military action, the use of the term "genocide" may not fully capture the complexity of public opinion. The surveys reveal a troubling trend towards acceptance of violence and expulsion, but they also show that there is a spectrum of beliefs among the Israeli population regarding the treatment of Palestinians.

Fact Check: A majority of Israelis support the genocide in Gaza