A poll by the Jerusalem Center for Foreign and Security Affairs finds most Israelis view security buffer zones and strategic depth as essential, with 65% expressing no trust in international forces to replace border defense. The survey reinforces a policy stance already taken by Israel's defense establishment.
A new survey by the Jerusalem Center for Foreign and Security Affairs (JCFA) indicates strong and broad public support in Israel for maintaining permanent security buffer zones in strategic areas, including Gaza, southern Lebanon, the Syrian border, and the Jordan Valley. The poll, released Monday, finds that a clear majority of Israelis view the lessons of the October 7, 2023 attack as requiring permanent Israeli security presence and strategic depth — not reliance on international agreements or foreign forces.
Dr. Dan Diker, president of the research institute, said in a statement: "National security cannot be based on hopes, international guarantees, or assumptions that have proven inadequate." The survey also found that 65% of Israelis do not trust international forces as a substitute for the state's own border defense.
The findings align closely with the stated policy of Defense Minister Israel Katz, who has repeatedly declared that the IDF will maintain an open-ended presence in security zones across Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. As The Zioneer reported, Katz has communicated this position directly to the Trump administration and rejected withdrawal pressure. The poll provides a public-opinion mandate for a policy the defense establishment has already adopted.
No further methodological details on the survey were provided in the release.
- DevelopingPatriots poll: 89% of viewers say Israel should not withdraw from Lebanon security zone
- StrongKatz: IDF will stay in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza security zones indefinitely, rejects withdrawal pressure
- DevelopingAnalysis: Middle East Eye details Israel's new fortified bases in southern Lebanon and Syria
- DevelopingNetanyahu declares Israel will hold security zones in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon as long as needed
Source and signal
- Internal intake