It is well known that the vast majority of Israelis oppose dividing Jerusalem. But a new poll shows that a similarly large majority of Israelis also oppose fully surrendering the Judean town of Hebron.
While prime ministerial hopeful Benjamin Netanyahu signed away effective control of Hebron during his previous stint at the nation's helm, several hundred Jews continue to live in the city, and most Israelis don't want that to change.
Conducted on behalf of Israel's Yediot Ahronot newspaper, the survey asked some 500 respondents if they have an emotional connection to Hebron. Seventy-three percent said yes, including even most secular Israelis.
Many respondents said that the violent eviction of Jews earlier this month from a Hebron house purchased by the local Jewish community had strengthened Jewish ties to the biblical city.