A new Israel settler poll has exposed a sharp divide over violence in the West Bank as the October 27 election approaches. The JPPI survey on Qusra, growing diplomatic pressure over settlements and Gaza’s humanitarian strain are all shaping a tense campaign.
Qusra poll shows split over settler violence
The Jewish People Policy Institute surveyed Israelis from September 1 to 3 after violence in Qusra, where dozens of masked Israeli civilians arrived in pickup trucks, threw stones at Palestinian residents and entered a local home while family members were inside. Several Palestinians were injured, and the rioters fled when security forces arrived.
The Israel settler poll found that 33% of respondents chose “Israeli terrorists” for those involved, while another 18% selected “nationalist criminals.” The two most lenient descriptions together accounted for 13% of responses. JPPI surveyed 663 Jewish respondents and 206 Arab respondents, weighting the data to represent adults in Israel.
Voter split cuts across political camps
JPPI reported that 63% of respondents on the left selected “Israeli terrorists,” compared with about half in the political center and 3% on the right. Among Jewish Israelis, 27% chose that description, compared with 55% of Arab Israelis.
The findings do not show how people will vote. Israel’s election is scheduled for October 27, 2026, and Benjamin Netanyahu, the country’s longest-serving prime minister, is seeking to remain in office. Security, government-judiciary relations and national unity ranked among leading issues in the same JPPI survey.
West Bank trade ban adds diplomatic pressure
The poll comes as several governments increase pressure on Israel over settlement expansion and settler violence. On September 8, 12 countries including Canada, France and the UK said they intended to introduce, support or consider trade restrictions involving Israeli settlements.
Britain, France and Canada announced plans to block settlement imports. Israel responded by saying it would close the British consulate in East Jerusalem. Israel disputes the international position held by the United Nations and many governments that West Bank settlements are illegal under international law.
2026 vote unfolds amid Gaza humanitarian strain
The campaign is also unfolding alongside Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. On September 16, a war-damaged apartment building in Gaza City collapsed, killing at least 20 Palestinians, including children, Reuters reported. Nearly 100 people were believed trapped beneath the rubble.
UN and Palestinian officials said rescue work was hindered by a shortage of heavy machinery. Israel says restrictions on equipment entering Gaza are intended to prevent material from reaching militants.
The JPPI findings are a snapshot of attitudes toward one West Bank incident, not an election forecast. They show how settler violence, security policy, relations with Palestinians and international pressure remain part of Israel’s election debate.
