Attack sparks deep divide across Israel, with 70% fearing for their families’ safety

Jerusalem is grappling with a deep and dangerous divide after a new poll revealed that an overwhelming majority of Jewish Israelis support Israel’s attack on Iran, while Arab Israelis reject it and fear its devastating consequences.

The Israel Democracy Institute poll, conducted between June 15 and 17 — just days after Israel launched airstrikes in Iran — shows that eight out of ten Jewish Israelis backed the attack. This support came from across the political spectrum, from left to right, despite rising tensions across the Middle East and an ongoing war in Gaza.

Among Arab Israelis, the picture was sharply different. Two‑thirds opposed the attack, and a staggering 84% said its timing was inappropriate. Overall, 70% of the population supported the military action, while only 13.5% came out against it.

For many Israelis, fear of retaliation looms large. Seventy per cent of the population expressed worry about their personal safety and the safety of their families in the future. The anxiety was especially palpable within the Arab community, where 89% said they were very or fairly worried. Among Jewish Israelis, concerns also ran high: 77% of the Left, 74% of the Centre, and 61% of the Right expressed deep concern about the possibility of future attacks.

Timing and motives were also a source of bitter division. Among Jews, two‑thirds felt the timing was right despite ongoing hostilities in Gaza and the plight of 53 hostages. Yet when broken down politically, sharp contrasts emerged: 55% of Left‑wing Jews felt it was the wrong moment for an attack, compared with just 20% of Right‑wing Jews.

On the controversial issue of attacking Iran without an American green light, 69% of Jewish Israelis felt it was justified. Only 35.5% of Left‑wing Jews agreed. Among Arab Israelis, this sentiment was largely rejected — just 31.5% felt Israel was right to launch a strike without US backing, while 47% felt it was wrong.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s motivations came under scrutiny. According to the poll, roughly 60% of Israelis believed the attack was “largely objective and security-related”. Among Jewish Israelis, that number surged to 83%. Yet only 18.5% of Arab Israelis felt the Prime Minister acted out of security concerns, with 68% saying his motives were mainly political.

The question of empathy towards the Iranian people also revealed deep divides. Almost three‑quarters of Jewish Israelis said Israel should have little or no regard for the suffering of Iranians. The Left was more torn, with 51% expressing indifference and 44.5% saying Israel should consider the suffering “to a fairly large or very large extent.” Meanwhile, a solid majority of Arab Israelis (57.5%) felt Israel ought to consider the humanitarian cost.

In spite of the tensions and rising fears, a strong belief in national resilience emerged. An overwhelming 82% of Israelis felt that the public remained strong and resilient, a sentiment embraced by 91.5% of Jewish Israelis. In contrast, a majority of Arab Israelis (53%) expressed doubts about the public’s ability to bear the strain.

With tensions rising and the threat of escalation looming, Israel finds itself torn between its instinct for security and its fear for the future. The recent strikes have deepened the cracks between its communities, highlighting a bitter reality that will shape its path for years to come