Haaretz newspaper
Haaretz newspaperIsrael news photo

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.
The poll indicated that the 'Ma'ariv' daily continues to decline at 12.5%, after falling from 13.6% during the previous six months, and 14.4% from a year ago. Ha'aretz also continued to decline, with 6.4% of readership, down 7.5% from a year ago.
Arutz Sheva's weekly B'Sheva newspaper reached 5.9% of the public, leading competitor Makor Rishon at 2.8%.