An Israeli firefighter sprays bus carcasses at the impact site of an Iranian missile in a bus depot in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, on June 17, 2025. (Credit: Jack Guez/AFP)
Three different polls recently published in Israel show majority support for the strikes in Iran, which began last Friday. According to a survey conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on June 15 and 16, 70 percent of respondents supported the operation, compared to 16 percent who opposed it, and 14 percent were undecided. Another study conducted by Agam Labs on June 13 and 14 reached similar conclusions, with identical figures.
A poll conducted by the Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University on June 15 and 16 focused more on the differences in perceptions between the Jewish and Arab populations. 83 percent of Jewish respondents supported the operation, while 73 percent of Arab respondents were opposed. When asked whether this operation would strengthen national unity or encourage divisions, opinions also differed between Jews and Arabs, as 57 percent of the former believed national unity would be strengthened, while 56 percent of the latter thought the opposite.
These polls also highlighted the opinions of Israelis regarding strikes against Iran's nuclear program and the need — or lack thereof — of American intervention. According to the survey by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 80 percent of respondents favored strikes against the nuclear program, although two-fifths of them preferred American support, while 24 percent were convinced that their country did not need it. Only 16 percent leaned towards a diplomatic solution.
In the Agam Labs study, 24 percent of respondents also believed that their country could destroy Iran's nuclear program without American assistance, compared to 31 percent who were convinced of the opposite, and 44 percent who remained undecided. Generally, 46 percent of Israelis supported such attacks with or without American support.
Divergences between Jews and Arabs
The poll by the Hebrew and Tel Aviv universities also highlighted the divergences between Jews and Arabs. Concerning the behavior to accept, if Americans demanded an end to the war, 35 percent thought Israel should ignore the request, 32 percent thought it should comply, and 33 percent are undecided. While generally, Jews were 56 percent in favor of dismantling Iran's nuclear arsenal versus 44 percent who preferred diplomacy, according to this poll, Arabs were 86 percent in favor of diplomacy and 78 percent agreed to comply with American demands.
There was also a divergence regarding the perception of border security, with 68 percent of Jews feeling reassured versus 75 percent of Arabs who believed the country was not well-prepared for such a war.
According to this poll, the new front with Iran changed perceptions regarding the Gaza war and strengthened support for a deal that would release hostages and end the war: this option now appealed to 71 percent of Israeli Jews, compared to 68 percent before June 13, and a substantial majority of Arabs at 99 percent.
The Gaza war has been ongoing since the Hamas operation against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and has killed more than 55,000 Gazans, who have seen the enclave largely destroyed. Humanitarian aid is trickling in to a hungry and fatigued population.