Israelis Divided on Settlement Policy Amid Foreign Sanctions, Poll Shows
A new survey shows that while UK trade bans did not sway the Israeli election, a plurality of voters want settlement policies adjusted to prevent further international isolation.
At a glance
- A poll by aChord shows the UK government trade ban on illegal settlements did not significantly affect Israeli voting behavior.
- A plurality of 50 percent of Israelis believe settlement and construction policies should be adjusted to avoid escalating sanctions.
- Support for continuing settlement policies remains strong among Benjamin Netanyahu block supporters, with 70 percent opposing foreign sanctions.
A new survey reveals that the UK government trade ban targeting illegal settlements had little impact on how Israelis voted in their recent general election. However, the polling indicates that a majority of Israelis believe the national government should alter its settlement strategy to prevent further international sanctions.
The research, conducted last month by the Israeli social research group aChord, explored how tougher foreign stances from countries like Britain influenced the electorate. It found that three-quarters of voters backing the bloc supporting Benjamin Netanyahu reported that UK sanctions did not influence their ballot choices.
Survey Findings
The survey showed deep divisions over foreign measures. While 52 percent of all respondents supported sanctions directed at individual violent settlers in the West Bank, 63 percent opposed the specific UK policy of banning imports of goods originating from illegal settlements.
When examining potential economic fallout, personal financial impact shifted opinions. Only 36 percent of respondents agreed that settlement expansion should continue if financial penalties targeted banks funding construction, leading to higher interest rates or credit card complications.
Political Factions
Voters aligned with different political factions showed contrasting views on international relations and policy adjustments. Among supporters of the opposition Change bloc backing Gadi Eisenkot, 60 percent stated that relations with Western nations were important in shaping their vote. Furthermore, 71 percent of these voters urged a change in settlement policy to avoid escalating sanctions.
Conversely, only 14 percent of Netanyahu block supporters agreed with altering policies, with the majority asserting that the government should maintain its course regardless of the cost. Additionally, 70 percent of Netanyahu supporters opposed foreign sanctions under any circumstances.
Analysis
The data highlights the complex dynamic between external diplomatic pressure and domestic Israeli politics. Hannah Weisfeld, director of the British-Jewish organisation Yachad, stated that the research illustrates public recognition that the international community will create external incentives for a policy shift if domestic changes do not occur.
The findings suggest that while broad trade bans face domestic resistance, the threat of escalating economic isolation resonates with a significant portion of the Israeli electorate, particularly outside the Netanyahu coalition.
What to watch: Watch for potential further international sanctions or adjustments to Israeli settlement construction policies as the political blocs respond to ongoing economic pressures.
Reporting from: The Guardian. Spotted an error? Tell us.
- Israel settlements
- UK sanctions
- Benjamin Netanyahu
- Gadi Eisenkot
- West Bank
- World
- Politics