ZIM is far more than just another commercial company for Israel, and the company's workers' committee warns that the identity of those involved in its future could have strategic implications. A new poll shows broad opposition among Israel's Jewish population to a proposed deal involving a buyer whose shareholders include Qatari entities.
According to a poll conducted last week by Midgam Consulting and Research Ltd., headed by Mano Geva and commissioned by the ZIM workers' committee, 67.1% of Israel's Jewish population oppose approving the sale of ZIM to a buyer with Qatari shareholders.
Respondents were asked about the potential benefits of the deal, including significant investment in the company and strengthening its global competitiveness, as well as concerns over bringing Qatari stakeholders into a company considered strategically important to Israel.
The poll found that 57.1% oppose the deal specifically because of Qatari involvement, while another 10% oppose the deal under any circumstances. Meanwhile, 30.5% support approving the deal only subject to security reviews and approvals, and just 2.4% support approving it even if Qatari entities are among the shareholders.
Opposition was recorded across all demographic groups surveyed. Among religious respondents, 77.2% opposed the deal, compared with 70.2% of secular respondents, 66% of haredi respondents and 60.2% of traditional respondents.
By age, opposition was highest among respondents aged 55-64, at 74.2%, followed by those aged 65 and over, at 73.2%. Some 70.2% of men and 64.2% of women opposed the deal.
Opposition was also higher among respondents with academic education, at 74%, compared with 61.1% among those with post-secondary education and 59.6% among those with secondary education or less.
Income levels did not significantly alter the overall picture: 70.2% of respondents with above-average incomes opposed the deal, compared with 65.9% of those with average incomes and 62.6% of those with below-average incomes.
ZIM Workers' Committee Chairman Oren Caspi said the results show that the public understands what is at stake.
"ZIM is not just another commercial company. It is a shipping company of strategic importance, part of Israel's maritime independence, the security of its supply chain, and its ability to maintain the country's connection to the world even in an emergency," Caspi said.
"When nearly seven out of 10 oppose approving the deal, and only 2.4% are willing to approve it without reservations despite the involvement of Qatari shareholders, decision-makers must listen. This is not merely a struggle by the workers; it is a struggle over a national interest. We call on the Israeli government to stop the deal, keep ZIM Israeli, and safeguard the future of the company's employees and their families."
The poll was conducted in August 2026 by Midgam Consulting and Research Ltd., headed by Mano Geva, among 499 respondents aged 18 and over. The sample was representative of Israel's Jewish population and consisted of members of the IPanel online panel.