by Maayana Miskin
Israel National News Despite international criticism over the IDF's response to last week's Gaza-bound flotilla, Israeli Jews strongly support the operation, along with the Israeli blockade on Hamas-run Gaza. Polls conducted by Pechter Middle East Polls and New Wave Research found strong support also for Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi.
The New Wave poll showed that 92% of Israeli Jews supported the decision to stop the Gaza-bound flotilla, and 91% said Israel should stop any similar attempts to reach Gaza in the future. 73% support the naval blockade on Gaza, while 16% said the blockade should be lifted.
The Pechter poll found that Israel Jews overwhelmingly supported the flotilla raid, with 85% saying that Israel used the right amount of force or not enough force (39%) when stopping the boats. 73% expressed support of the blockade.
Ashkenazi had the most support of any Israeli leader, according to the New Wave poll, which was published in Yisrael Hayom. 76% of Israelis said they are satisfied with Ashkenazi's performance, while only 11% said they were dissatisfied. In comparison, Netanyahu had 45% satisfaction and 44% dissatisfaction.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak had only 35% support, while 54% of respondents said they were unhappy with his performance.
The Pechter poll showed slightly different results: 53% supported Netanyahu, while 41% were satisfied with Barak.
The poll showed strong dislike for United States President Barack Obama following the flotilla incident: 71% said they disliked or strongly disliked Obama, and 63% said they were dissatisfied with the U.S. response to the flotilla clash.
If Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan accompanies a flotilla to Gaza, the IDF should do whatever necessary to stop him, 75% said. 84% said the same regarding a possible Iranian mission to Gaza.
The New Wave poll found that 78% believe the flotilla proves that Turkey is acting as an enemy to Israel.
(IsraelNationalNews.com)
