PNN – Poll results indicate that Zionists continue to view Iran and Lebanon as their most significant threats.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; the latest survey data from Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) reveals that the sense of security among Zionist settlers remains relatively low. Conducted in mid-June, the survey showed that despite claims by the regime’s political and military officials regarding successes across various battlefronts—and the establishment of buffer zones in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, the West Bank, and the Syrian Golan Heights—residents of the occupied territories continue to harbor significant security concerns regarding the environment surrounding these lands.
Accordingly, 42 percent of Zionist settlers rate the current state of internal security as poor or very poor, 37 percent as average, and only 20 percent as good or very good. These figures indicate a deterioration in the situation compared to the May survey.
The situation is also unfavorable regarding the sense of personal security—a concept that extends beyond general security concerns to encompass risks such as murder, theft, and street violence. In this regard, only 29 percent of settlers reported a high or very high sense of personal security, while 43 percent reported a moderate sense of security, and 28 percent reported a low or very low sense of security.
The situation appears even bleaker when examined in greater detail regarding the comparison between Zionists and Arabs. For instance, while 35 percent of Zionists report a high level of personal security in the occupied territories, this figure stands at only 3 percent among the Arab population. The explanation for this disparity lies in reports published by human rights organizations focused on Arab communities, which highlight the prevalence of crime—including murder and the activities of criminal organizations—and, more importantly, the lack of adequate security measures in Arab towns and cities.
While a “high” sense of personal security is reported by only 3 percent of Arabs, Israel’s internal security agency (known as Shin Bet) announced plans to have a portion of the budget allocated for the economic and social development of the Arab community—under the “Plan 550” initiative—transferred to the agency.
This move followed Netanyahu’s appointment of David Barnea (often referred to as “Bar”) as the head of the Shin Bet. He announced the establishment of a new Shin Bet division dedicated to addressing crime within the Arab sector, an initiative expected to have a budget of approximately 1.3 billion shekels ($434 million). Notably, about 568 million shekels ($190 million) of this funding is drawn from “Plan 550.” Consequently, a directive was issued to government ministry directors-general stating that funds previously earmarked for the five-year plan for Arab community development were not to be used for their original purpose but would instead be allocated to the new Shin Bet division.
Although Zaini’s decision ostensibly signals increased security force activity in the Arab-populated areas of occupied Palestine, the elimination of the development budget line item will negatively impact crime rates. Furthermore, this plan demonstrates that Netanyahu does not intend to allocate a separate budget to enhance security for Arab residents—a move that has drawn significant criticism from officials, particularly the mayors of Arab towns in occupied Palestine.
Security-Political Threats and Challenges
Another part of the survey on the Zionist regime’s internal security revealed that Lebanon and Iran remain the primary sources of concern for Zionist settlers. When asked about the security situation in Lebanon, 80 percent expressed concern. This figure stands at 76 percent for Iran, 61 percent for the West Bank, and 57 percent for the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the level of concern regarding Syria was reported at 32 percent, and regarding Yemen at 30 percent.
Comparing these figures with the April poll ostensibly reveals a relative decline in concern across all major areas; however, an examination of the percentages regarding Lebanon and Iran highlights the extreme intensity of the fear settlers harbor concerning these two fronts.
The Threat from Iran: Insights from Zionist Public Opinion
This poll also revealed significant data regarding a potential war with Iran. It shows that the majority of residents in the occupied territories do not view Israel as the definitive winner of such a conflict: 43 percent believe the war would end inconclusively, 37 percent believe Iran would emerge victorious, and only 15 percent claim Israel would win.
The fact that only 15 percent of Israeli settlers consider themselves the victors of a recent conflict with Iran could negatively impact the resilience of Zionist society in the near future. Indeed, a substantial majority of Zionists (80 percent) now regard a war with Iran as inconclusive—or even potentially damaging.
Reflecting this perspective, only 26 percent believe Israel’s security situation has improved compared to the period prior to the second war with Iran, whereas 41 percent believe conditions have worsened, and 30 percent maintain there has been no change.
Another significant aspect of the survey regarding Iran concerns how Zionists view the damage their officials claim to have inflicted on Iran’s nuclear capabilities. In this regard, only 24 percent state that Iran’s nuclear project sustained significant damage during the recent war, while 69 percent believe the program—which is peaceful in nature—suffered either no damage at all or only minor damage.
Threats to Lebanon through the Lens of Zionist Public Opinion
Currently, the Lebanese front is the most volatile theater for the Israeli military. Amidst claims by Israeli officials regarding the necessity of maintaining a buffer zone in southern Lebanon—and near-daily clashes with Hezbollah forces ostensibly aimed at securing northern Israel—surveys indicate that 81 percent of the public believes the security situation in the north fails to guarantee the safety of its residents. This figure effectively signifies a glaring and undeniable failure on the part of the Israeli military and cabinet to achieve their objectives in Lebanon.
Declining Trust in Individuals and Institutions
Amidst the deep-seated security concerns within Zionist society, the level of public trust in officials has also been affected. The survey indicates a continuing erosion of confidence in the military and the Chief of General Staff since the onset of the second war with Iran. Currently, 62 percent of respondents express a high level of trust in Eyal Zamir, the Chief of General Staff—a figure that has declined compared to a few months ago. The situation is far worse for the political leadership.
In this regard, only 25 percent expressed high confidence in the cabinet, while 73 percent stated they had low confidence in it. Additionally, 31 percent of residents of the occupied territories have high confidence in Netanyahu, and 67 percent reported having little confidence in him.