Two separate polls may indicate that the Israeli public is leaning increasingly to the right of the political spectrum.
Poll #1: Israelis Largely Against Unilateral Withdrawal
A Geocartography telephone poll broadcast on Israeli Television's Channel 1 yesterday showed the following results:
62% Israeli Jews oppose additional unilateral withdrawals. 21% were in favor.
Results to the following additional questions appeared to confirm the trend:
Was the 2005 disengagement from the Gaza Strip the right thing to do?
Yes 25% No 54%
Since the disengagement, has your support for the settlers changed?
Increased 39% Reduced 14% No change 32%
Would there be a civil war if another unilateral withdrawal was carried out?
Yes 50% Maybe 18% No 21%
Would you support another unilateral withdrawal?
Yes 21% No 62%
Did the disengagement strengthen or weaken Israel's deterrence?
Weakened 55% No impact 28% Strengthened 8%
The poll was broadcast during a program marking five years from the Israeli evacuation of the Gaza Strip.
Poll #2: Israeli Daily 'Yisrael Hayom' Surpasses Yediot
In a TGI survey published this morning, the Israeli Daily "Yisrael Hayom" (Israel Today) readership slightly surpassed that of the long-time leader Yediot Aharonot on weekdays, with both reaching approximately 35% of the Israeli public.
Yisrael Hayom was established by Sheldon Edelson, who is associated with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. The paper was established with the self-proclaimed mission of providing a "balanced" voice, an alternative to the mainstream media. Though not stated openly, this is likely a reference to the left-leaning dailies Yediot, Ma'ariv and Ha'aretz. The paper's principles, which appear on each edition's page two are to:
- Tell the truth straight and simple.
- To support the rule of law.
- To be fair and balanced.
- To check the facts and if found to be in error, to correct them.
- To remember that we are Israelis.
Arutz Sheva's weekly B'Sheva newspaper reached 5.9% of the public, leading competitor Makor Rishon at 2.8%.