Survey shows 96% of Saudis are in favor of a diplomatic boycott of Israel
Washington D.C. (QNN) – A recent survey has found out that 96% of Saudis believe Arab countries should sever all ties with the occupying state of Israel in protest of the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza, in a blatant blow to the Biden administration’s efforts to encourage Saudi Arabia to establish diplomatic ties with Israel.
The poll, conducted by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, surveyed 1,000 Saudis between Nov. 14 and Dec. 6. The findings show a notable increase in positive attitudes toward Hamas, with 40% expressing support, compared to 10% in a previous poll several months before the conflict.
Only 16% of respondents endorsed the two-state solution, aligning with the Saudi government’s public stance. The survey highlights the complexity of Saudi public opinion, which may impact decisions made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto leader, despite the country’s increasing autocracy.
The positive views toward Hamas, despite being a minority, are significant given potential legal repercussions for sympathizing with the group. The majority of Saudis reject the idea that Hamas deliberately targeted civilians.
Before the Israeli aggression began, when attempts to broker a Saudi-Israel normalization deal were progressing under U.S. auspices, analysts from the United States, U.S. officials, and some Saudi authorities argued that younger Saudis might be less invested in the Palestinian cause compared to previous generations. Consequently, there was speculation that they could be more open to establishing ties with Israel.
However, the accuracy of this assertion remains uncertain due to the lack of regular, reliable polling in Saudi Arabia and the climate of fear induced by escalating political repression under Prince Mohammed. Since the Gaza war started, vocal support for the Palestinian cause and a strong dislike for Israel have become prevalent among Saudis of all age groups.
The survey also reveals that 87% believe the war exposed Israel’s weakness, while only 5% support improving relations with the world’s Jews. However, a majority of Saudis favor a political solution and Arab diplomatic efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Amid US-brokered normalisation talks between ‘Israel’ and Saudi Arabia, two Israeli ministers visit Saudi Arabia in a week
Is a Saudi-Israel normalisation deal on the horizon? pic.twitter.com/FurdgtOND8
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