Poll: 52% think Intifada will follow statehood declaration
Majority of Israelis think violent Palestinian uprising will come after statehood bid whether or not UN recognizes state.
By JPOST.COM STAFF
More than half of the Israeli public believes a third Intifada will break out if the Palestinians follow through with plans to make a unilateral declaration of statehood in September, according to a poll conducted by the Dahaf Institute and released by the Knesset Channel on Thursday.Of those surveyed, 52 percent feared the outbreak of a violent Palestinian struggle in the event of a unilateral declaration of state, while 40 percent of people believed that an Intifada would not break out.RELATED:'Majority of US Jews worried about Obama Israel policies'81% of Israelis support EU membership, BGU poll findsThe poll also found that 54% of the public believe an Intifada will break out even if the United Nations does not recognize the proposed Palestinian state, whereas 38% of respondents believed the opposite to be true.The survey, conducted by Dahaf Director Dr. Mina Tzemach, also guaged the Israeli public's response to the Palestinian unity deal. Only 30% of respondents said they think Israel should negotiate with a Palestinian unity government including Hamas. Twenty-nine percent of the public said Israel should negotiate with the Palestinians, but not if Hamas is part of the government.In addition, 29% of respondents believe that Israel should not take part in any diplomatic relations with the Palestinians.