Growing Calls for Peace in Israel Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

A recent poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) reveals that 66% of Israelis believe it is time to end the ongoing war in Gaza, marking a significant increase from previous sentiments. The primary concern driving this shift is the endangerment of hostages, with 50.5% of Jewish respondents and 34.5% of Arab Israelis citing this as their main reason for wanting the conflict to cease. The poll, conducted between September 14-18, 2025, also indicates that 64% of respondents believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should take responsibility for the October 7, 2023, attacks and resign, either immediately (45%) or after the war (19%).

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The poll results highlight a stark division in opinions regarding Netanyahu's leadership. While 63% of centrist and 88% of left-wing Jewish respondents advocate for his immediate resignation, opinions among right-wing voters are more varied. Among them, 23% believe he should step down immediately, while 25% think he should resign after the war. In contrast, 27% of right-wing respondents feel he should accept responsibility without resigning, and 21.5% believe he should do neither. This division reflects broader societal tensions, as many Israelis express dissatisfaction with Netanyahu's handling of the conflict and the hostage crisis.

Times of Israel

The war has also led to significant dissent within the Israeli military. Reports indicate that a notable number of reservists are refusing to serve, citing a lack of faith in the government's strategy and the belief that continuing the conflict endangers both hostages and soldiers. Captain Ron Feiner, an Israeli Defense Forces reservist, stated, "The war in Gaza is a death sentence for our kidnapped brothers and sisters," emphasizing the moral dilemma faced by many soldiers. This sentiment is echoed by Master Sergeant Raphael Becache, who argues that the current military approach does not aid in securing the release of hostages.

PBS News Hour

As public pressure mounts, indirect negotiations between Israeli and Hamas officials are underway in Egypt, focusing on U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan. This plan proposes the release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, including 250 convicted terrorists. While there is some optimism surrounding these talks, both parties have expressed reservations about key aspects of the proposal. Netanyahu's government has been criticized for its lack of a coherent strategy, with many Israelis feeling that the ongoing war has not achieved its intended objectives.

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The current situation reflects a complex interplay of public sentiment, military dissent, and international diplomacy. As the war continues, the Israeli public's desire for peace grows stronger, with many advocating for a resolution that prioritizes the safe return of hostages. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations and the potential implementation of Trump's peace plan could significantly impact the future of both Israel and Gaza. However, skepticism remains regarding the feasibility of achieving lasting peace, given the entrenched positions of both Netanyahu and Hamas.

• “The war in Gaza is a death sentence for our kidnapped brothers and sisters” — Captain Ron Feiner, Israeli Defense Forces Reservist

PBS News Hour

• “We all deserve it, we deserve it, our neighbors deserve it, we want this war to end and all to come back to their homes.” — Shay Dickmann, Israeli citizen

PBS News Hour

• “The share of those who think that Netanyahu should accept responsibility and resign immediately is much higher among Arabs (67%) than among Jews (41%),” — Israel Democracy Institute statement

Times of Israel

• “But when the army give an order, I think the role of a solder is to listen.” — Anonymous Israeli Intelligence Officer

PBS News Hour

While the IDI poll indicates a strong desire among Israelis to end the war, there are conflicting views regarding the effectiveness of military operations and the government's handling of the hostage crisis. Additionally, the exact terms and potential outcomes of the ongoing negotiations remain unclear, with both Israeli and Hamas leaders expressing reluctance to fully commit to Trump's peace plan.