In a revelation that will surprise no one following events since October 7, a new survey from the Pew Research Center has found that Israeli optimism for peaceful coexistence with a future Palestinian state has plummeted to its lowest level in over a decade.

An Overwhelming Crisis of Confidence

According to Pew’s findings, just 21% of Israeli adults believe peaceful coexistence with a Palestinian state is even possible. The drop marks a historic low not seen since 2013 and reflects the compounded trauma of over 600 days of war, increased terror, and decades of unreciprocated concessions.

While a majority of Israelis still believe their own society is committed to peace, the same cannot be said for their outlook on the Palestinian leadership. Despite this goodwill, Israelis are confronted with an enemy whose guiding ideology—whether Islamist, nationalist, or pan-Arabist—rejects the very existence of the Jewish state.

“It’s not that we don’t want peace,” one respondent told a local news outlet. “It’s that we no longer believe there’s anyone on the other side who wants it too.”

Staggering Disconnect on Hamas and PA Intentions

One of the more confounding revelations in the data is that 20% of Israelis believe Hamas is at least “somewhat committed” to peace—this, despite the group’s founding charter calling for Israel’s destruction and a theocratic state from the river to the sea.

Free Palestine is nothing more than the eradication of Israel. This characterizes their merch.
Why should any Jew believe there is a wish peace and co-existence within their movement? pic.twitter.com/3bHDSlP2nF

— Leslie Young ✡︎ (@AkaLazarus) June 1, 2025

Even more puzzling, nearly half of Israeli adults surveyed believe the Palestinian Authority is committed to peace, despite decades of incitement, celebration of terrorists, and continuation of the pay-for-slay program which financially rewards the families of those who murder Israelis.

Arab-Israeli Views Diverge Sharply

In stark contrast, 40% of Arab-Israelis said they believe a peaceful two-state solution is still viable. That’s 2.5 times the rate among Jewish Israelis (16%), underscoring a major disparity in trust, vision, and ideology between the country’s communities.

The Real Obstacle: Trust Eviscerated

A staggering 75% of Israelis identified lack of trust between the two peoples as the greatest obstacle to peace. That distrust is fed by relentless terrorism and the Palestinian Authority’s silence in the face of atrocities.

One especially tragic case referenced by respondents is that of Tse’ela Gaz, who was gunned down by terrorists in Samaria while being rushed to the hospital to give birth. Her newborn son, Ravid Chaim, died 15 days later from complications caused by the attackRavid Chaim, died 15 days later from complications caused by the attack. The Palestinian Authority has never condemned the murder.

Mixed Feelings on Settlements, But Strong on Security

Despite decades of international pressure and demonization, 44% of Israelis believe that continued Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria actually contributes to national security. While half of respondents do acknowledge that settlements present a political obstacle, most do not see them as the primary reason peace remains elusive.

Israel has recently advanced plans to construct over 1,000 new homes in Eli, a Samaria community that has suffered repeated terrorist attacks. Additionally, the government has approved the establishment of 22 new communities in Judea and Samaria—moves that many Israelis see as both a moral right and strategic necessity.

What’s Next for Gaza? Israelis Split

When asked who should control Gaza after the current war, only 1% of Israelis said Hamas should retain power. A third of respondents supported continued Israeli control, down from 40% last year, while others were skeptical about Palestinian self-governance without dramatic reform.

Confidence in Gaza’s ability to rebuild or rule itself—after decades of Hamas dominance—remains understandably low.

New Pew poll, confirming the obvious: Two-state solution desirable but impossible, as long as Palestinians, deeply and uniformly, reject its desirability. @academic_la @EinatWilf @havivrettiggur @RachelGur @BarakRavid https://t.co/wpepLrGt00

— Judea Pearl (@yudapearl) June 4, 2025

Foreign Meddlers Not Welcome — Except One

When it comes to foreign involvement in peace negotiations, many Israelis believe global actors like the United Nations have done more harm than good. The perception of anti-Israel bias in UN institutions has only grown, especially during the ongoing war against Hamas and Hezbollah.

Yet, the United States remains the outlier: an overwhelming 81% of Israelis said America has played a helpful rolein peace efforts, affirming the bond between Jerusalem and Washington.

81% of Israelis say the U.S. is helpful in the work toward lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. https://t.co/tPd0T9qy8t

— Pew Research Center (@pewresearch) June 4, 2025

Interestingly, former U.S. President Donald Trump, often seen as one of the most pro-Israel leaders in American history, drew a split opinion:

• 50% of Israelis said he favored Israel too much,

• 42% believed he struck the right balance, and

• Just 2% thought he favored the Palestinians.

  The share of Israeli adults who believe that Israel and Palestine can coexist peacefully is the lowest it has been since 2013, data from Pew Research Center annual survey revealed.https://t.co/Jj2E8Cw1TU

  — The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) June 6, 2025

Conclusion: Hope Fades, Reality Sets In

This year’s Pew data reflects a sobering truth: Israelis have not given up on peace—but they have lost faith in their so-called “partners.” After thousands of rockets, countless murders, and unrelenting incitement, the average Israeli no longer sees coexistence as possible—at least not with regimes that reward terror and reject Jewish sovereignty.

As long as incitement is glorified and terror is incentivized, peace will remain not just elusive—but impossible.