Poll: Majority of Israelis Support Prisoner Exchange Deal in Return for Ending the War

A new poll published by the Israeli daily Maariv shows that 57% of Israelis back a prisoner exchange deal in return for halting the ongoing war. 

The survey indicates growing public support for a negotiated resolution that would prioritize the release of captives over continued military operations.

However, the poll also found that 30% of respondents favor the full occupation of Gaza, despite the potential risks such an action could pose to the captives’ safety.

The findings come amid heightened debate in Israel over the government’s strategy in Gaza, with mounting pressure from families of captives and segments of the public calling for a deal to secure their release.

The issue of Israeli captives has been at the heart of the conflict since the escalation in Gaza began in October 2023, when Palestinian factions captured dozens of Israelis during the initial attacks.

Several temporary ceasefire agreements have been brokered in the past to facilitate prisoner exchanges, most notably in late 2023, when dozens of captives were freed in return for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

In recent months, pressure from families of captives has intensified, with public demonstrations calling on the government to reach a deal to secure their release. The debate has become a central point in Israeli politics, as military operations in Gaza continue and the humanitarian situation worsens.