Yisrael Hayom commissioned a poll carried out by Magar Mochot Institute in response to a Channel 2 News survey which reported 47% of Israelis would back a peace agreement based on return to the pre-1967 borders and land exchanges that would permit large Israeli settlements to remain in place. When Israel refers to large settlements, it refers to cities like Maale Adumim, Ariel, Efrat, Betar Illit, and Modi’in Illit for example.

The Yisrael Hayom shows a different picture, that most Israelis prefer maintaining Israeli sovereignty over Yerushalayim than reaching a peace agreement with the PA (Palestinian Authority). In fact, about 95% of Israelis remain oppose to giving up sovereignty for the Kosel.

67% of Israelis oppose a peace deal that includes granting the PA partial control over Jerusalem’s Old City, while 33% are in favor. If the same deal grants total sovereignty over the Old City to the PA, opposition to the deal climbs to 84%.

The report explains that while Israelis understand the term ‘sovereignty’, the term ‘partial sovereignty’ is misunderstood, for here it means Israel would maintain control of the Jewish Quarter while control of most other areas of the Old City would be turned over to the PA. More significant is that control over the Kosel and Har Habayis would be turned over to the PA too.

In fact, two-thirds of Israelis backing PA sovereignty in the Old City as mentioned are opposed to the deal if it includes giving the Kosel and Har Habayis to the PA.

Is there is a chance of reaching a peace agreement with the PA in the near future?

75% no

25% yes

Yisrael Hayom opines this shows the centrist population shifts right politically speaking when it comes to the Kosel, Har Habayis and Yerushalayim. It also maintains the mainstream news prefers to continue with its left-wing agenda when in fact, it is misrepresenting the real political picture.

The poll surveyed a sample of 502 Israeli adults from the Arab and Jewish sectors and has a margin of error of +/- 4.3%.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)