A recent poll conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Agam Institute reveals that 92.1% of Israelis believe Iran has emerged victorious or gained significant advantages in the ongoing Middle East conflict. The survey, which interviewed 3,644 respondents between June 17 and June 20, 2026, also indicates that 82.9% of the Israeli public feels their nation’s long-term security has weakened as a result of recent geopolitical shifts.
Why do most Israelis believe Iran is winning?
The perception of an Iranian victory is tied to the shifting regional power balance following recent military engagements involving the United States and Israel. According to the Hebrew University data, 93.1% of voters who support the right-wing bloc—the political base of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—believe Tehran has gained the upper hand. This suggests that the sentiment is not limited to political opponents of the current administration but is widespread across the Israeli electorate.
While confidence in the current government’s military management has dropped, nearly half of all respondents (48.2%) still support aggressive military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon, even if such a move risks a direct confrontation with the United States.
How has the conflict impacted Netanyahu’s political standing?
Public trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reached a significant low point. The Hebrew University and Agam Institute poll shows his approval rating plummeted to 29.4% in June 2026, down from 40.5% in March. Data indicates that 72.5% of respondents do not trust the Prime Minister’s claims regarding the success of Israeli military operations. Furthermore, 56.4% of the population explicitly labels his management of these operations as “failed” or “bad.”
What is the public sentiment toward US-Iran diplomacy?
There is strong domestic opposition in Israel to the emerging diplomatic framework between Washington and Tehran. Data shows that 63.2% of Israelis oppose the current peace agreement being negotiated, with only 12.1% expressing support. As negotiations move to Switzerland to solidify a more permanent deal, the government faces a dilemma: balancing international pressure from the U.S. against a public that largely views the diplomatic process as a security liability.
Comparison: Public Sentiment vs. Government Strategy
| Indicator | Public Sentiment |
|---|---|
| Support for US-Iran Deal | 12.1% |
| Opposition to US-Iran Deal | 63.2% |
| Trust in Netanyahu’s Mil. Claims | 27.5% (approx.) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people participated in the Hebrew University survey?
A: The survey included 3,644 respondents and was conducted between June 17 and June 20, 2026.
Q: Is there support for military action against Hezbollah?
A: Yes, 48.2% of respondents favor a major military operation in Lebanon, despite the potential for friction with the United States.
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