In Iran, the NGO Human Rights Activists reports 585 deaths and 1,326 injuries following Israeli strikes. In Israel, authorities report 24 deaths and approximately 500 injuries caused by Iranian strikes. Amid this escalating conflict, one question arises: what is the current stance of the Israeli population toward the multiple wars led under the direction of Benjamin Netanyahu?

According to a recent survey, less than 68% of respondents now say they support a deal with Hamas to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza — even if that means ending a war they largely supported after the October 2023 attack. Furthermore, 54% believe the offensive in Gaza continues primarily to serve Netanyahu’s political interests. In this tense context, Israeli public opinion remains fluid, particularly in light of the opening of a new front against Iran. Let us take a moment to revisit the geographic and economic characteristics of this state at the heart of regional tensions.

Located at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean, Israel is a Near Eastern state bordered by Lebanon to the north, Egypt to the south, Jordan and Syria to the east, and the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza. Its territory covers just over 20,000 km² — roughly half the size of Switzerland — and is home to around 10 million people. Approximately 75% of the population is Jewish, but the country also has more than 20% Arab Israelis, primarily located around Acre and East Jerusalem. Other minorities, including Druze and Circassians, also live there.

The majority of the population is concentrated in the coastal plain, where major cities like Haifa (the main port), Netanya, and especially Tel Aviv–Jaffa are located. Tel Aviv’s metropolitan area, with its 4.3 million inhabitants, forms the heart of the "Silicon Wadi," a world-renowned high-tech hub. Around 10% of Israelis work in this cutting-edge sector, alongside finance, tourism, and natural gas, which all strongly contribute to economic growth.

The GDP per capita is around €41,000 — a level comparable to France or the United Kingdom. However, inequality remains significant: nearly 20% of Israelis live below the poverty line, mainly ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab Israelis. Politically, while 70% of citizens currently support the offensive against Iran — including 83% of Jewish Israelis and only 12% of Arab citizens — Netanyahu remains weakened. He faces accusations of corruption, fraud, and breach of trust, and some of his close associates are suspected of having ties to Qatar, a key supporter of Hamas.