The majority of Israel's Jews do not support the annexation of disputed territories in the West Bank, says a new survey published on Wednesday.
The survey, conducted by the Commanders for Israel's Security movement (comprised of senior security officials who oppose the extension of Israeli sovereignty to Palestinian-held lands), examined a sample of 1,000 people from the Jewish public alone.
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Left-wing demonstration against annexation of West Banks territories in Tel Aviv
(Photo: Motti Kimchi)
According to the poll, only a quarter of the respondents (26%) said they support the potential annexation, while 40% prefer a permanent two-state solution, 22% favor unilateral disengagement from the Palestinians, while only 13% are content with the current situation.
Although the pledge to annex the strategic parts of the West Bank was one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's major election campaign points, only a third (36%) of his Likud party's supporters said they back the initiative.
Some 21% of Likud voters said they preferred a permanent two-state solution, while 25% favor unilateral pullout, and 18% are content with the current situation.
The survey also shows that most Jewish citizens, including most Likud voters, do not support the annexation of the Jordan Valley if the move would put a strain on relations with Jordan.
Only 28% said they were willing to risk the peace agreement with the Hashemite Kingdom. Among Blue & White voters, only 10% are willing to risk the peace agreement and 41% of Likud voters said they would agree to the move.
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Chairman of Commanders for Israel's Security and former Deputy Chief of Staff Matan Vilnai
(Photo: Gabi Menashe)
"The data shows that a significant majority in the public opposes annexation, and prefers solutions based on separation from the Palestinians," said Chairman of Commanders for Israel's Security and former Deputy Chief of Staff Matan Vilnai.
"Unilateral annexation, without proper preparation and without consulting professionals, could lead to a disaster for Israel and create a violent chain reaction. We, former senior security officials, urge the Israeli government to refrain from a unilateral annexation and not approve such a significant and risky move without conducting a referendum first."