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As Israel approaches Tisha B’Av, a day of mourning for the destruction of the Jewish temples and internal divisions, a new survey highlights mounting public concerns about civil conflict and the role of key political figures in exacerbating societal rifts.
Conducted by Meno Geva and published on N12’s “Ulpan Shishi,” the survey, which sampled 510 Israeli adults aged 18 and over, reveals that nearly half of the population is worried about the possibility of civil war.
Specifically, 46% of respondents expressed concern about escalating internal strife, while 48% are not worried. The remaining 6% are undecided.
The survey also sheds light on public perceptions of political leaders, identifying those viewed as either contributing to societal division or fostering unity.
At the forefront of the list of divisive figures is Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, with a striking 70% of respondents considering him a divider.
In contrast, only 19% view him as a unifier. Ben-Gvir’s divisive reputation is followed by other prominent figures such as Miri Regev, Bezalel Smotrich, and Tali Gotliv.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a central figure in Israeli politics, also garners significant attention in the survey.
62% of the public perceives Netanyahu as divisive, while 30% see him as a unifier. Notably, even among Netanyahu’s supporters, 30% regard him as a divider, and among his opponents, a substantial 93% view him in a similar light.
The survey further identifies other contentious figures including Dudi Amsalem, Orit Strook, Simcha Rothman, Arye Deri, and Avigdor Lieberman. Lieberman, representing the opposition, is perceived as a divider by 55% of respondents.
In contrast to the long list of divisive figures, the number of politicians seen as unifiers is relatively short. Leading this group is President Isaac Herzog, who is viewed as a unifier by the majority.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett follows, with 52% of respondents considering him a unifier, compared to 28% who see him as divisive. Other figures who are viewed positively include Benny Gantz, Gadi Eisenkot, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The survey results reflect a concerning trend in Israeli society as the nation commemorates Tisha B’Av, highlighting deepening divisions and public anxiety over potential civil unrest.
The stark contrast between divisive and unifying figures underscores the challenge of navigating political polarization in a country grappling with both internal and external pressures.