Poll Highlights West Bank Palestinian Views on Diplomacy, Statehood, and Regional Leadership

A comprehensive opinion survey conducted across the West Bank reveals a complex landscape of political attitudes, with a plural majority questioning Israel’s legitimacy even as most respondents voice strong support for diplomatic negotiations over armed conflict. The public opinion research, published by the Institute for National Security Studies, offers detailed insight into how Palestinian residents assess long-term political outcomes, immediate security threats, and the future governance of both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

The study surveyed 400 Palestinian adults in the West Bank via telephone between June 27 and July 2, operating with a margin of error of 4.9 percent. Across a broad range of questions, the findings delineate an evident divide between fundamental ideological viewpoints regarding the regional status quo and practical preferences for ending hostilities through diplomatic frameworks.

When asked about the fundamental legitimacy of the neighboring state, 46 percent of respondents stated they believe Israel does not possess a right to exist, compared to 41 percent who affirmed that it does. The poll also evaluated expectations regarding the longevity of the state, finding that 42 percent of those surveyed believe bringing about the end of Israel’s existence is an achievable outcome, whereas 32 percent stated that such a scenario is impossible.

Despite significant numbers questioning the enduring existence of Israel, respondents exhibited distinct fractures when evaluating potential models for long-term resolution. The traditional two-state framework received backing from 27 percent of participants, making it the single most common solution favored among the offered alternatives. Meanwhile, 22 percent expressed preference for a single bi-national state that guarantees comprehensive and equal civil rights for both populations.

Alternative visions for a single-state reality revealed further divergence among the population surveyed. Approximately 26 percent of respondents advocated for the establishment of an exclusively Palestinian state devoid of any Jewish presence. In contrast, 17 percent indicated that they would support a singular Palestinian sovereign entity that permits Jewish residents to live as citizens or recognized residents.

Notwithstanding rigid ideological views, the survey highlighted a substantial preference for peaceful dispute resolution over sustained military engagement. Over half of the participants, at 52 percent, identified direct negotiations as their preferred mechanism for bringing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to an end. By comparison, only 12 percent expressed support for ongoing armed resistance as the primary pathway forward.

This preference for peaceful measures aligns with a broader public consensus regarding the effectiveness of previous military campaigns. A clear majority of 57 percent expressed the view that violent resistance has failed to achieve its intended objectives, maintaining instead that international diplomatic initiatives and political engagement offer far more fruitful avenues for progress.

This pragmatic inclination away from violence extends directly into attitudes toward militant organizations and their role in future governance. According to the research, 40 percent of West Bank respondents stated that Hamas should disarm, reflecting broader sentiment against the group's continued administrative control over the Gaza Strip following extensive hostilities.

When asked to select their preferred administration to govern Gaza, the leading choice was the US-backed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, selected by 32 percent of respondents. An additional 21 percent voiced support for the Palestinian Authority assuming direct control, while an equal 21 percent preferred the formation of a joint Fatah-Hamas unity administration. A standalone Hamas administration garnered backing from only 5 percent of those surveyed.

The poll also examined domestic political succession within the Palestinian leadership to gauge public sentiment regarding a successor to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Imprisoned Fatah figure Marwan Barghouti emerged as the most favored candidate, securing the support of 34 percent of respondents. In contrast, Hussein al-Sheikh, who serves as deputy to Abbas, received support from just 8 percent of participants.

Beyond macro-political aspirations and leadership contests, the survey exposed severe everyday anxieties regarding economic stability and personal safety in the West Bank. Widespread economic distress was the single most cited issue, with 97 percent of participants identifying unemployment as a major concern affecting their communities.

Physical safety emerged as a nearly universal preoccupation, with 96 percent of respondents citing violence by Israeli settlers as a major problem. Direct exposure to such violence was notably prevalent among the populace; 14 percent of those polled reported that they had personally been victimized by settler attacks, while 22 percent reported hearing first-hand accounts of harm suffered by acquaintances or relatives.

Media reporting and digital channels also played a substantial role in shaping community awareness, with 33 percent of respondents noting that they encounter reports of settler violence primarily through news platforms and social networks. Compounding these security concerns, 91 percent of respondents expressed acute apprehension regarding military operations conducted by the Israel Defense Forces throughout the West Bank.

Collectively, these daily economic and physical pressures have contributed to a widespread sense of vulnerability across the territory. The survey recorded that 60 percent of respondents describe their personal sense of security as either low or very low, illustrating how immediate safety and financial hardships dominate daily life alongside enduring political deliberations.