Most Israelis think settlements policy should change to avoid more sanctions, poll finds

A recent survey conducted by the Israeli social research group aChord reveals that while most Israelis are aware of the UK government’s decision to impose a trade ban on goods from illegal settlements, the move was not a decisive factor in the country's general election. The study highlights that the tougher stance adopted by Britain and other foreign nations has sparked a complex debate within Israel regarding whether these actions are a response to government policy or motivated by broader hostility.

Understanding the views of most israelis

Data indicates that 76% of those surveyed were aware of the British announcement. Among those familiar with the policy, four-fifths understood that the restrictions applied specifically to the West Bank rather than the entirety of Israel. When examining voting behavior, three-quarters of supporters backing Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc stated that the UK sanctions and trade bans had no impact on their electoral choices. Among supporters of the opposition Change bloc, relations with the West were deemed important, though they ranked fifth among six primary voting motives.

Despite the lack of electoral influence, a significant portion of the public favors a change in approach. Half of all respondents suggested that construction and settlement policies in the West Bank should be adjusted to avoid international isolation and further sanctions. This sentiment is particularly strong among supporters of the Change bloc, 71% of whom advocate for policy adaptations. Conversely, most Netanyahu bloc voters prefer maintaining current policies regardless of the potential costs.

A majority of Israelis believe settlement policy should change to avoid further international sanctions.

Support for current policies appears to wane when voters anticipate a high personal price. Only 36% of participants agreed that settlement activity should continue if it leads to personal financial consequences, such as higher interest rates or difficulties with international banking and credit card usage. While 52% of the public supports targeted sanctions on violent individual settlers, there is widespread opposition to broader trade bans, with 63% of all respondents against the current measures regarding goods from illegal settlements.

Why it matters

The survey indicates that the Israeli public is increasingly aware of the link between settlement expansion and international economic consequences. For policymakers, this suggests that the threat of personal financial impact—rather than ideological debate—may be the most effective lever for shifting public opinion on the occupation. This shift affects international diplomatic relations and highlights how foreign trade policies are perceived by the local population.