Full Breakdown
Support for Operation Roaring Lion Divides Israeli Public
3/5/2026, 10:55:22 PM
Overview of Public Sentiment
A recent survey conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute reveals a stark divide in public opinion regarding Operation Roaring Lion, the ongoing military campaign against Iran. The survey, conducted from March 2-3, 2026, indicates that 93% of Jewish Israelis support the operation, while only 26% of Arab Israelis express similar backing. Overall, the support for the operation stands at 82% among the entire sample of 599 respondents.
Political Affiliations and Trust in Leadership
The survey highlights significant differences in support based on political affiliation among Jewish respondents. Support for the operation is highest among right-wing respondents at 97%, followed by 93% in the center and 76% on the left. Trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's management of the operation also varies widely: 74% of Jewish respondents trust him, compared to just 16% of Arab respondents. Among Jewish respondents, trust levels are 85% on the right, 62% in the center, and 40% on the left.
Perspectives on Military Objectives
When asked about the duration of the operation, 57% of Jewish respondents believe it should continue until both military objectives—elimination of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic capabilities—and the political objective of regime change are achieved. In contrast, 36% support ending the operation once military goals are met. Among Arab respondents, over half (52%) expressed uncertainty about how the operation should proceed.
Feelings of Safety Amid Conflict
The survey also assessed feelings of safety during the operation. A majority of Jewish respondents (74%) reported feeling fairly or very protected from Iranian attacks, while only 15% of Arab respondents felt the same. Gender differences were noted, with 81% of Jewish men feeling safe compared to 67.5% of Jewish women. In the Arab community, 22% of men felt safe, while only 8% of women reported similar feelings. Access to protective infrastructure, such as safe rooms, significantly influenced these perceptions; those with such access felt protected 69.5% of the time, compared to just 15% for those without.
Divergent Views on U.S. Support
The survey also explored perceptions of U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on Israel's security. Among Jewish respondents, 64% believe that Israel's security is a primary consideration for Trump, while only 43% of Arab respondents share this view. This reflects a decline in confidence among Arab respondents since late 2025, while Jewish respondents' confidence has slightly increased.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the operation point to the significant disparity in feelings of safety and trust in leadership between Jewish and Arab Israelis. The Israel Democracy Institute previously highlighted that protective infrastructure in Arab communities is lacking, with 46% of residents living in buildings without adequate protection. This issue remains a concern as the military campaign continues.
Conclusion
The findings from the Israel Democracy Institute's survey underscore the polarized views within Israeli society regarding Operation Roaring Lion, revealing deep-seated divisions along ethnic and political lines. As the conflict progresses, these disparities in public sentiment and trust in leadership may have implications for national unity and security strategies moving forward.
