A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that a majority of both Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank and east Jerusalem view peaceful coexistence between Israel and an independent Palestinian state as unlikely. Published on September 21, the report indicates that only 17% of Israelis and 21% of Palestinians surveyed believe that two-state coexistence is possible.
The poll, which included 1,001 Israeli adults and 1,038 Palestinians from the West Bank and east Jerusalem, found that 56% of Israelis and 68% of Palestinian respondents expressed skepticism about the feasibility of peaceful coexistence. Notably, this marks the first time since Pew began posing this question to Israelis in 2013 that a majority have explicitly rejected the possibility of a peaceful two-state outcome. The level of optimism among Israelis remained statistically consistent with a previous low recorded in 2025.
The survey did not include Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip due to security constraints that prevented fieldwork in the area. Interviews were conducted face-to-face in Hebrew and Arabic from late March to early May, a period encompassing hostilities related to the Iran war and a subsequent ceasefire.
Respondents who doubted peaceful coexistence commonly cited deep-rooted issues such as territorial disputes, a history of violence, and mutual distrust. Both Israeli and Palestinian participants described the conflict as a struggle over land that cannot be easily divided. Religious and cultural differences were also frequently mentioned as barriers to reconciliation.
However, the two groups differed in their primary concerns. Many Israeli respondents pointed to security fears, including the possibility that a Palestinian state could become hostile, acquire weapons, or reduce Israel’s defensible territory. Some Israelis expressed distrust toward Palestinian leaders and questioned their commitment to coexistence. Conversely, Palestinian respondents focused on Israeli military and administrative control, including settlements, checkpoints, and restrictions on movement, which they argued have undermined the viability of an independent Palestinian state.
The findings come amid other recent surveys that have painted a nuanced picture of Palestinian attitudes toward Israel. For example, an Institute for National Security Studies poll released earlier in September found that 46% of West Bank Palestinians surveyed believed Israel does not have a right to exist, while 52% favored negotiations to resolve the conflict. Other studies have noted increases in support for peaceful negotiations and declines in endorsement of armed resistance, particularly when a potential Palestinian state is framed around the 1967 borders.
Among respondents optimistic about coexistence, shared themes included a desire to avoid further bloodshed and the belief that both populations would continue to coexist geographically and politically. Some cited well-defined borders and political separation as potential solutions. Palestinians expressing hope for peace emphasized possible economic benefits and existing ties with Israelis, whereas optimistic Israelis often stressed prerequisites such as rebuilding trust, political concessions, and stronger leadership.
Differences were also evident within Israeli society. Among Jewish Israelis, only 16% believed peaceful coexistence was achievable, with 64% disagreeing. Arab Israelis showed slightly more optimism, with 23% affirming the possibility and 26% dissenting; however, nearly half declined to answer the question substantively. Overall, the share of Israeli respondents declining to address the coexistence question doubled compared to the 2025 survey.
Some respondents on both sides cited the need for changes in education, public attitudes, political leadership, and international involvement, including security guarantees, as critical factors that could influence the potential for peace.