Even as civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise, Israelis are showing unwavering support for the country’s offensive against militant group Hamas. Despite international calls for a ceasefire and the diminishing global sympathy for Israel, polls have revealed that more than three-quarters of Israelis believe the nation’s offensive should continue without adjustments that could potentially reduce Palestinian civilian casualties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed these sentiments on Wednesday, announcing that the country would persevere in its fight. We’re continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated, Netanyahu declared to soldiers in Gaza.
The overwhelming support for the war is reflected in recent polls conducted among Israeli citizens. In a survey conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute in November, after a week-long pause in hostilities, more than three-quarters of respondents expressed their desire for the offensive to continue. Many Israelis believe that the deaths of Palestinian civilians are an acceptable price to pay for future security.
While international pressure for a ceasefire builds, Israelis remain resolute. If we don’t take this fight to the end, then tomorrow morning we’ll have battles in the north and in the east and the south and maybe Iran. Therefore, we have no choice, explained Ben Zion Levinger, a retired IT worker.
Speaking through the polls and echoing the sentiments of Israeli citizens, Yuli Edelstein, chair of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, acknowledged the terrible cost but emphasized that the ultimate goal of the military operation was the total destruction of Hamas infrastructure in Gaza.
It’s awful. It’s awful that there are so many civilian casualties, said Jerusalem resident Adam Saville, reflecting the sentiment shared by many Israelis. But this is war, and that’s what happens in war.
As international pressure and global sentiment mount against Israel, its citizens remain resolute in their support for the offensive against Hamas. With an unwavering determination to crush the militant group, Israelis believe that the current offensive is necessary for their country’s security and future. Despite the growing number of civilian casualties, they are prepared to persevere until victory is achieved.
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