Israel Matzav

Poll: Legalize 'outposts,' no freeze, Peace Now harmful

A poll by Ma'agar Mochot shows that wide majorities of Israelis agree with statements made by Moshe (Boogie) Yaalon (pictured with Netanyahu) at a meeting of the Likud's Manhigut Yehudit (Jewish Leadership) faction last week, and will disagree in the event that Prime Minister Netanyahu reaches a 'settlement freeze' deal with the Americans, as appears increasingly likely.

A majority of Israelis, 51 percent, agreed with Ya'alon that the outposts should be legalized, 24% disagreed and the rest of the respondents did not express an opinion.

Forty-one percent of Israelis agreed with Ya'alon that Peace Now had damaged Israel, while 19% disagreed.

The poll found that most Israelis, 52%, opposed a purported deal in which Netanyahu would agree to a settlement freeze in Judea and Samaria in return for Arab gestures, such as the opening of Israeli representation offices or permission to fly over Saudi Arabia en route to the Far East. Only 33% supported the deal.

Some 47% said that if Netanyahu agreed to a temporary settlement freeze, US President Barack Obama would pressure him to continue the freeze indefinitely. Just 25% disagreed.

The Jerusalem Post reported last week that right-wing ministers were furious that a de facto freeze of new construction permits for projects in West Bank settlements, which has existed since Netanyahu took office in March, was never brought to a vote in the cabinet.

The Ma'agar Mohot poll found that 63% said this was improper, while 22% called it proper.

Regarding a possible deal to release Hamas terrorists from jail in return for kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit, 76% said Israel should insist on verification that Schalit was alive before any live Palestinian was released. Fifteen percent disagreed.

Hmmm.

Israelis are smarter than we think.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 4:44 PM