A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals widespread skepticism among Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank and east Jerusalem about the feasibility of peaceful coexistence between Israel and an independent Palestinian state. Published on September 21, the report found that just 17% of Israelis and 21% of Palestinians believe such coexistence is possible, while 56% of Israelis and 68% of Palestinians reject this prospect.
This marks the first time since 2013, when Pew began monitoring Israeli sentiment on the issue, that a majority of Israelis view peaceful coexistence with a Palestinian state as unattainable. The share of Israelis expressing optimism remains statistically unchanged from 2025, when the previous low was recorded. The survey excluded Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip due to security constraints that prevented fieldwork.
Respondents who doubted the likelihood of peace frequently cited longstanding disputes over land, persistent violence, and mutual distrust. Both Israelis and Palestinians described the conflict as rooted in competing claims to territory perceived as indivisible. Religious and cultural divisions, as well as the enduring legacy of violence, were also cited as barriers to rebuilding trust.
However, the two groups pointed to different primary obstacles. Israeli respondents opposing a two-state solution commonly expressed security concerns, including fears that a sovereign Palestinian state might turn hostile, acquire weapons, or reduce Israel’s defensible territory. Some Israelis suspected that Palestinian leadership or public opinion ultimately seeks the elimination of Israel rather than coexistence.
Conversely, Palestinians from the West Bank and east Jerusalem frequently pointed to Israeli control over their territories, including settlement expansion, checkpoints, and movement restrictions, as reasons for their pessimism. Many viewed the growth of Israeli settlements as undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state.
The findings come amid mixed signals from other recent surveys on Palestinian attitudes. An INSS poll earlier in September found that 46% of West Bank Palestinians questioned Israel’s right to exist, while 52% favored negotiations as a resolution to the conflict. Other polls have shown rising support for peaceful negotiations and a two-state framework based on the 1967 borders, alongside a decline in support for armed resistance.
Among Israelis and Palestinians who are hopeful about coexistence, shared themes emerged. Respondents emphasized a desire to avoid further bloodshed and the belief that both peoples would continue to exist, making some form of peaceful coexistence inevitable. Many cited clearly defined borders and political separation as potential foundations for peace.
Palestinians optimistic about coexistence often highlighted potential economic benefits and existing economic ties with Israel. Israelis, meanwhile, underscored the need for rebuilding trust, political concessions, and stronger leadership as prerequisites. Some called for changes in education, societal attitudes, and international involvement or security guarantees to support peaceful coexistence.
The survey also revealed divisions within Israel. Among Jewish Israelis, 16% believed peaceful coexistence was possible, while 64% rejected it. Among Arab Israelis, 23% expressed optimism, 26% were pessimistic, and nearly half declined to answer. Overall, about 20% of Israeli respondents did not answer the question on coexistence, double the nonresponse rate recorded in 2025.
The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews between March 30 and May 6, 2024, covering 1,001 Israeli adults and 1,038 Palestinians in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Fieldwork occurred during the period of conflict with Iran and shortly after a ceasefire was declared on April 7.