Poll finds fading support for two-state solution between Israelis, Palestinians

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Center for Policy Research published their findings together Thursday.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: JUNE 26, 2015 11:29
Netanyahu and Abbas (photo credit: REUTERS)
Netanyahu and Abbas
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Support for two-state solution is fading amongst both Palestinians and Israelis, a poll released Thursday found.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Center for Policy Research published findings of a recent poll they conducted together in an effort to gauge the sentiments of those on both sides of the conflict. The research showed that 51 percent of Israeli respondents favored the two-state solution, down from 62% last June, according to AFP.
Palestinian support for the two-state also rested at 51%, deflated from 54% a year ago.
The poll, it should be noted, was conducted less than a year after Operation Protective Edge concluded; and after the March 15 election consisting largely of nationalist patrons of West Bank Jewish settlements, the ultra-Orthodox and opponents of Palestinian statehood, AFP notes.
"After forming a right wing government in Israel led by Benjamin Netanyahu, we asked both sides about their expectations for the future," a Hebrew University statement said, adding "The level of perceived threat on both sides regarding the aspirations of the other side in the long run is very high."
The poll essentially reinforces familiar suspicions from peoples on both sides of the conflict are strengthening and becoming more acute.
"Fifty-six percent of Palestinians think that Israel’s goals are to extend its borders to cover all the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea and expel its Arab citizens, and 25 percent think Israel’s goals are to annex the West Bank while denying political rights to the Palestinians."
"Forty-three percent of Israelis think that Palestinians' aspirations in the long run are to conquer the State of Israel and destroy much of the Jewish population.