Israel Matzav

71% want more force in Lebanon

A poll conducted by the Dahaf Polling Institute and led by Dr. Mina Tzemach found that 71% of Israelis want Israel to use greater force in Lebanon and 82% believe that the army's offensive in Lebanon is justified. The poll also revealed that 48 percent of Israelis think the IDF should continue fighting until Hezbullah is destroyed – indicating a 10 percent decline from a survey ten days ago. Thirty percent believe the IDF should continue fighting until Hezbullah is 'distanced' from the border, and 21% said fighting should be stopped and negotiations launched – a four percent increase since the prior poll.

Most Israelis are also satisfied with the respective performances of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz. Eighty percent of those questioned said they were pleased with the IDF’s operations in the war.

As for extensive reserves call-up - three divisions were called up yesterday - 65 percent said they agreed with the initiative: 38 percent said they wholeheartedly agreed, 27 percent said they were inclined to agree, 11 percent said they were inclined to oppose a large-scale draft and a full 20 percent said they wholeheartedly opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the United States, a CBS News/New York Times poll shows that most Americans believe that there will never be peace between Israel and its neighbors.

The poll also showed that 48 percent of Americans believe Israel responded proportionately in the conflict with Hizbullah, while 26 percent believed Israel’s response was exaggerated. (As you may recall, I believe that a disproportionate response is appropriate).

Read the whole thing.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 4:03 PM