Israelis expressed strong backing for Operation Pillar of Defense's
attacks by air but hesitancy to add a ground offensive, according to
polls taken in recent days.
The polls were taken amid questions
over whether thousands of IDF reservists who were called up would be
used for ground operations or whether Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu
and Defense Minister Ehud Barak were bluffing when they threatened to
enter the Gaza Strip.
A
poll taken by Panels for the Israeli Center for Political Training
found that 85 percent of Israelis believe embarking on the operation was
a correct decision. But when asked what should happen next, 45% said to
continue air strikes, 22% said to seek a cease fire, and just 25%
recommended a ground offensive.