A significant majority of Israelis support expanding diplomatic relations with Arab neighbors like Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Syria, but remain opposed to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to a recent poll.
The survey, conducted by the Council for a Secure America, reveals that 81% of Israelis endorse the Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. This figure represents a record high in the council's polling.
Further indicating a desire for regional integration, 78% of Israelis support a future diplomatic agreement with Saudi Arabia. Support for friendly deals with Lebanon stands at 72%, and 64% favor a similar arrangement with Syria. For many Israelis, 71% believe normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia would benefit their economy.
However, attitudes toward relations with their Palestinian neighbors remain notably different. Following the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, a plurality of Israelis, 41%, believe Israel should govern the Gaza Strip. Only 25% of respondents prefer an international coalition, which could include Arab countries, to govern Gaza.
This preference for Israeli governance of Gaza is even stronger among younger Israelis aged 44 and under, with 54% supporting it, compared to 15% favoring an international coalition. Older Israelis showed a lower preference for sole Israeli governance.
The poll also highlights a strong opposition to a two-state solution, with 63% of Israeli voters rejecting the idea, while 22% support it. These numbers have remained largely consistent over the past two years of the council's tracking.
Opposition to a two-state solution is particularly pronounced among younger Israelis, with 66% of those under 44 opposing it, and only 17% in favor.
Palestinians take cover after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on July 12, 2026. Belal Osama/APAImages/Shutterstock
Most Israelis also attribute regional strife and violence against Israel to Iran. A majority, 61%, believe Iran is the primary instigator behind attacks by Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, marking a 13-point increase since February 2025. Conversely, 28% believe these groups act independently with Iranian support.
Regarding Hezbollah, 65% of Israeli voters expressed belief that a coalition of the U.S., the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), and the Lebanese Armed Forces could disarm the group, while 25% believe it is not possible.
Jennifer Sutton, executive director of the Council for a Secure America, stated that the poll results demonstrate Israelis' continued embrace of the Abraham Accords and their desire for normalization, prosperity, and regional integration. She added that Israelis are also clear-eyed about Iran's role in hindering peace and cooperation.
The survey included 557 Israeli respondents, with 89% interviewed online in Hebrew. The remaining 11% were surveyed by phone, with specific outreach to ultra-Orthodox communities in Hebrew and Russian-speaking Israelis in Russian. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.