Lebanon’s Unified Stand: Public Opinion Overwhelmingly Rejects Israeli Recognition
A new survey reveals a complex political landscape in Lebanon, characterized by widespread public disillusionment with domestic affairs yet a steadfast and near-unanimous rejection of recognizing Israel. The latest findings from the Arab Barometer survey, a prominent research initiative, indicate that while the majority of Lebanese are pessimistic about their country’s direction, support for democratic principles remains high, alongside deeply entrenched views on regional foreign policy.
A Resounding ‘No’ to Normalization
In a stark affirmation of national sentiment, a striking 89% of Lebanese respondents explicitly oppose recognizing Israel. This figure underscores a deep-seated regional conviction, further solidified by 97% of participants who view Israel’s policies as a direct threat to regional security. The survey also highlights significant public discontent with US foreign policy, with 88% perceiving American actions as threatening and 67% holding a negative view of the United States. These findings emphasize a robust and consistent foreign policy outlook among the Lebanese populace, prioritizing regional security and rejecting normalization with Israel.
Domestic Discontent and Democratic Hopes
Domestically, the survey paints a picture of widespread pessimism. A significant 58% of Lebanese believe the country is heading “in the wrong direction,” while 77% describe the current political situation as “bad.” The economic crisis remains a paramount concern, with 42% identifying it as Lebanon’s most pressing issue. This aligns with UN data from 2023, which indicated over 80% of the Lebanese population lives below the poverty line, with inflation at times exceeding 300%.
Public trust in state institutions varies, with the military and security forces enjoying higher confidence than the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Corruption is perceived as rampant, with 97% of respondents affirming its widespread presence in both financial and administrative sectors.
Despite the pervasive discontent, support for a democratic system remains strong, with 79% of Lebanese endorsing democracy and rating the country’s democratic level at an average of 5.8 out of 10. However, this support is juxtaposed with a noticeable apathy towards political participation, as approximately 40% expressed no desire to vote in elections.
The Psychological Toll of Conflict
The impact of recent regional conflicts has taken a significant toll on the Lebanese population. Eighty-four percent of respondents reported experiencing psychological pressure, and 91% indicated feelings of anxiety or tension. Regarding the outcome of the recent conflict, opinions were divided, with 59% perceiving it as a “defeat” and 38% as a “victory.”
Survey Context and Media Consumption
The comprehensive survey was conducted between October 2023 and August 2024, gathering insights from over 40,000 participants across 15 Arab countries, with a margin of error between 2-3%. The findings also touch upon the country’s digital landscape, revealing that 93% of Lebanese use the internet and over 99% are active on social media. Despite high engagement, there’s a significant degree of skepticism, with 65% stating they do not trust news disseminated via social media platforms.
The latest Arab Barometer results underscore a complex narrative in Lebanon: a nation grappling with profound domestic challenges and widespread disillusionment, yet firmly united in its long-standing foreign policy stances, particularly concerning regional security and the recognition of Israel.
