Survey Shows Most Israelis Oppose Ending Iran Conflict Under Current Terms

A survey conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute, a think tank, found that a majority of Israelis believe ending the conflict with Iran under current conditions would not adequately address their national security interests. The poll showed that 59 percent of respondents overall opposed concluding the war now.

Among Jewish respondents, two-thirds stated that an immediate end is only slightly or not at all compatible with Israel's security needs, while Arab citizens were divided, with nearly half saying it would serve interests to a large extent. The survey also revealed expectations of renewed conflict, with 62 percent of all respondents anticipating a return to wide-scale fighting with Iran. S.

exerts more influence on Israel's defense decisions than their own government, an increase from 44 percent in October 2025. Across groups, 72 percent expressed concern over rising negative attitudes toward Israel among Americans.

Engagements in Beijing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas

U.S. He has spoken by phone with his Chinese counterpart at least three times since hostilities began. The agenda focuses on maintaining the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, priorities that China has publicly emphasized. S. blockade on Iranian ports but has also voiced criticism of Iran's role in closing the waterway.

Iran seeks to determine the level of support from China, including potential backing at the United Nations against additional sanctions if the strait reopens. The visit occurs amid what Jodie Wen, a researcher at Tsinghua University's Center for International Security and Strategy, described as a unique international situation, including the war, the shipping crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump's upcoming visit to China.

Wen stated that the visit aims to strengthen strategic communication and seek more diplomatic space for Iran. She added that China would likely persuade Iran to return to negotiations and reopen the strait. The timing is notable, as Araghchi's arrival precedes Trump's expected visit, with both Iran and China monitoring potential outcomes.

China purchases most of Iran's crude oil, accounting for about 13 percent of its seaborne crude imports before the conflict, often at discounted prices. The two countries signed a 25-year strategic partnership in 2021 to deepen cooperation. Iran promotes the use of the Chinese yuan in oil transactions, benefiting China. S.

influence in the Middle East and supports its stability. S. and allied Gulf states have drafted a United Nations resolution aimed at ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Germany's foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, expressed support for Israel's military operations in southern Lebanon during a meeting with Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar in Berlin. Wadephul stated that the actions are necessary and that Israel has the right to be there, according to media reports.

He cautioned that civilians must not bear the brunt of the fighting and that Lebanon should not become a theater of war where civilians pay the price. Saar defended the operations, stating Israel aims to destroy Hezbollah and has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon, though the military is destroying homes in southern Lebanon to create a buffer zone.

On the Hormuz crisis, Wadephul said Germany is ready to contribute to securing the waterway if conditions allow, noting the vulnerability of global supply chains due to Iran's blockade. The Israeli survey also addressed Lebanon, with two-thirds of respondents saying the chances of a stable deal including disarming Hezbollah are low or non-existent, rising to nearly 80 percent among Jewish respondents.

Wadephul also mentioned Gaza, reaffirming Germany's commitment to a two-state solution and noting the plight of more than 2 million people there.