Israeli Poll: Majority Back Settlements Policy Change to Avoid 2026

A new poll of Israelis reveals that a majority believe the Israeli government’s settlements policy should change if it is going to lead to further sanctions. The survey, conducted by Israeli social research group aChord, offers unique insight into how UK sanctions on illegal settlements are influencing Israeli voters.

UK Sanctions on Illegal Settlements: A Controversial Move

In September, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband imposed a trade ban and wider sanctions on illegal settlements. The decision drew fierce criticism, with some claiming it would drive Israeli voters into the arms of Benjamin Netanyahu.

However, the aChord survey shows that the UK’s decision was not decisive in how Israelis voted in their general election. Instead, it highlights nuanced attitudes toward foreign sanctions.

Key Findings from the Poll

The survey reveals overall support for foreign sanctions on violent settlers in the West Bank. Yet there is little support for the UK’s ban on trade with goods from illegal settlements, with many fearing it could be extended across Israel.

• Majority support policy change if sanctions are to follow.
• Overall backing for sanctions on violent settlers.
• Little support for trade ban on settlement goods.
• Three-quarters of Netanyahu bloc supporters said UK sanctions did not affect their vote.
• Small vote shifts occurred in both directions.

How UK Sanctions Influenced Israeli Voters

The poll is unique in showing how the tougher line on Israel adopted by Britain and some foreign states affected the thinking of Israeli voters. It explores the extent to which Israelis thought it was a response to Israel’s actions or born of hostility to Israel, or even antisemitism.

According to the survey, three-quarters of supporters of the bloc backing Netanyahu said UK sanctions and trade ban policies towards Israel did not affect their vote at all. To the small extent that they changed anyone’s vote, they shifted voters both ways.

Comparing Views on Sanctions

Implications for Israeli Politics and International Relations

The poll suggests that while UK sanctions may not have swayed the election, they have sparked a debate within Israel about the cost of settlement policies. A majority now see a link between settlements and potential further sanctions.

This could influence future government decisions, especially if other countries follow the UK’s lead. The findings also challenge the assumption that external pressure automatically strengthens hardline positions.

What to Watch Next

As the new Israeli government takes shape, eyes will be on whether it adjusts settlement policy in response to international pressure. The UK’s stance may also inspire other nations to consider similar measures.

The debate over sanctions and their effectiveness is far from over, and the aChord poll provides valuable data for policymakers and analysts alike.

For a deeper look at the UK’s decision, see our analysis of UK sanctions Israeli settlements: Burnham’s strategic move. The political ramifications are further explored in UK sanctions on Israeli settlements: Miliband defends policy, which highlights the government’s rationale.

Understanding the moral dimensions is crucial, as discussed in UK imposes sanctions on Israeli settlements: a moral stance. The economic consequences are detailed in UK sanctions on Israeli settlements: trade impact analysis, providing context for the poll’s findings on trade ban opposition.

Ed Miliband’s role is scrutinized in Ed Miliband’s bold stance on illegal Israeli settlements. The debate within the Jewish community is covered in UK rabbis back sanctions on Israeli settlements amid debate, showing diverse perspectives.

Finally, the broader implications for UK-Israel relations are examined in UK bans trade with illegal Israeli settlements: new stance. As Labour’s innovation potential shows, Labour’s innovation potential: time to think outside the box, fresh approaches to foreign policy are being considered.