Most Israelis think Netanyahu's top goal is staying in power, not freeing hostages: Survey

Most Israelis think Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is more focused on staying in power than on winning the war or freeing hostages, according to a poll by an Israeli TV station aired on Friday evening (May 23).

When asked what Netanyahu’s main goal is, 55 per cent of respondents to the Channel 12 news survey said staying in power, 36 per cent said safe return of the hostages, and 9 per cent said they were unsure.

Regarding why another hostage deal hasn’t happened, 53 per cent of respondents pointed to political reasons, 38 per cent mentioned legitimate reasons, and 9 per cent were unsure.

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Asked if Netanyahu convinced them in his press conference this week, 62 per cent of respondents said no, 34 per cent said yes, and 4 per cent were unsure.

During the press conference, Netanyahu claimed he had complete backing from US President Donald Trump as he dismissed speculations of a potential rift between the two leaders. Netanyahu claimed Trump phoned him 10 days ago and said, “‘Bibi I want you to know, I have a complete commitment to you and I have a complete commitment to the state of Israel.’”

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Regarding Netanyahu’s claim that he didn’t know about his top aides’ work for Qatar, which is under police investigation in the Qatargate affair, 58 per cent said they don’t believe him, 30 per cent said they do, and 12 per cent were unsure.

Among coalition voters, 58 per cent said they believe him, while 27 per cent said they don’t.

The survey also showed that half of the respondents think the government might cancel the elections scheduled for next year by declaring a national emergency, while 35 per cent don’t believe that will happen.

Netanyahu was asked during the press conference about why he hadn’t resigned despite alleged failures regarding the Oct 7 massacre. The Israeli PM in response said, “I am already being held accountable by the public every day. Every week there’s the possibility of a no-confidence vote. And once a no-confidence vote passes — the public has already made its decision. That will also happen in elections, when the time comes.”

“Do you want elections now?” he asked. “Do you want me to list what we’re up against right now? Is that what we need — a commission of inquiry right now — when all our soldiers and commanders will be running around dressing up as lawyers instead of arming themselves with artillery shells and tank munitions?”

On Friday (May 23), Netanyahu denied that he would try to delay the elections.

“I hope [the elections] are held as scheduled and I will do everything so they don’t happen before then. But one thing I can tell you — they won’t take place after the scheduled date. This won’t happen. You know why? Because we are democrats. We believe the public has the right to choose, unlike our rivals and others,” he said in a video statement.