Israel Matzav

What Americans think of the 'peace process': Not much

The Obama administration is spending a lot of time on the Middle East 'peace process,' but according to this survey by Rasmussen, the American people are not very impressed and don't believe it will lead anywhere.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 77% of U.S. voters think Palestinian leaders must acknowledge Israel’s right to exist. Support for this position has ranged from 65% in March 2006 to 81% in June of last year.

Just seven percent (7%) now disagree, and 16% are not sure.

However, only 25% of voters think it is even somewhat likely that the Palestinian leadership will recognize Israel’s right to exist, while 64% say it is unlikely. This includes six percent (6%) who say recognition is Very Likely and 19% who say it’s Not At All Likely. These findings are unchanged from June 2009.

Voters remain less enthusiastic about requiring Israel to accept the creation of a Palestinian state as part of a peace agreement between the two sides. Fifty-one percent (51%) say Israel should be required to do so, down six points from the previous survey. Twenty-seven percent (27%) disagree, and 22% more are not sure.

Voters also continue to have mixed feelings over whether Israel will agree to this requirement. Forty-two percent (42%) say it’s at least somewhat likely that Israel will accept the creation of a Palestinian state, but 47% think it’s unlikely. This includes six percent (6%) who believe it is Very Likely and nine percent (9%) who say it’s Not At Likely.

Hmmm.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:53 AM