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A new survey released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum reveals that an overwhelming 84% of Israelis believe a victory in the Gaza Strip is impossible without the return of the remaining 59 hostages still held captive by Hamas.
The poll, conducted by the Midgam Institute last month, highlights the deep emotional and political importance of the hostages’ return to Israeli society.
The survey, based on responses from 500 Jewish Israeli participants, shows that while the vast majority of respondents see the return of hostages as essential to achieving a military victory, a smaller group—12.7%—believes that it is still possible to defeat Hamas even without the hostages’ return.
The poll further explores the views of Israeli citizens on the broader conflict, revealing a clear consensus on the issue of hostages. Over half of those surveyed, 57%, maintain that Hamas cannot be defeated without bringing the abducted individuals back to Israel.
In contrast, 28% of participants disagreed with this view, asserting that defeating Hamas is achievable regardless of the hostages’ fate. About 14% of respondents remained uncertain.
Perhaps most strikingly, the survey found that more than 60% of Israelis believe that returning the hostages should be the top priority, even if it requires halting military operations in Gaza.
Only 26.3% of participants expressed a preference for continuing the fight against Hamas, even at the expense of the hostages’ return. Another 11.4% of those polled were unsure of what the most critical goal of the ongoing conflict should be.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum emphasized the importance of these findings, underscoring the sentiment that the return of the hostages is vital not only for military success but also for the emotional healing of Israeli society.
“All surveys and data clearly show the will of the people – they choose the hostages above all else,” the Forum stated.
“The return of the hostages is a necessary condition for an Israeli victory. Without it, there can be no national revival or healing. Israeli society is united on the issue of the hostages and agrees that their return is the most urgent national mission.”
The issue of hostages has been central to Israel’s national consciousness since the deadly October 7 attack by Hamas, which led to the abduction of numerous civilians, sparking widespread public outcry and solidarity movements.
The return of these hostages remains a priority for the Israeli government, with officials stressing the need for ongoing efforts to negotiate their release, even amidst military operations in Gaza.
While the survey data underscores a national sense of urgency, it also highlights the difficult balancing act faced by the Israeli government in its military strategy.
As the conflict continues, the question of how to prioritize the return of the hostages without compromising Israel’s broader security goals remains a critical point of debate.
The poll’s results, which mirror the emotional weight carried by the hostage situation, reveal how deeply the issue resonates within Israeli society.
As the country grapples with the ongoing conflict, the call for the safe return of all hostages has become an unwavering focal point for citizens, families, and policymakers alike.