A recent survey by the Pew Research Center shows that Israelis are becoming increasingly doubtful about the possibility of achieving lasting peace with Palestinians. Just 26% of respondents said they believe peaceful coexistence between Israel and an independent Palestinian state is possible, a sharp drop from 35% in 2017 and 50% in 2013.
Jewish Israelis appear particularly pessimistic. Only 19% expressed confidence in a peaceful two-state solution, down from 32% in 2023. In contrast, Arab Israelis remain more hopeful, with 49% saying they believe peace is achievable, a slight increase from 41% the year before.
Political alignment strongly influences attitudes. Around 60% of left-leaning Israelis still believe in a two-state solution. Among centrists, that figure has fallen steeply to 33%, a 20-point drop in just one year. On the political right, only 8% expressed any hope for peaceful coexistence.
Beyond views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the survey revealed deep divisions within Israeli society. A majority of respondents said they see significant tensions between Jewish and Arab citizens, as well as between religious and secular Jews. That said, most Israelis remain optimistic about coexistence between religious and secular Jewish communities. However, opinions are more evenly split when it comes to Jewish-Arab relations within Israel, with equal numbers hopeful and doubtful.
The findings mark a stark shift in Israeli public opinion and reflect growing frustration with the stagnating peace process and worsening regional instability.
This article is based on findings from the Pew Research Center report published on June 3, 2025.
