Most Israelis say economy top priority

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For a clear majority of the Israeli public, the economic crisis is the most important issue facing the new government according to the March 2009 Peace Index poll conducted by Prof. Ephraim Ya'ar and Prof. Tamar Hermann and published by Tel Aviv University.

Sixty-two percent put the the economic crisis in first or second place. Trailing far behind were the security and political issues-the Iranian threat at 39% and the negotiations with the Palestinians at 27%. Domestic problems were also accorded secondary importance - the economic gaps (31%), corruption (19%), and improving the system of governance (16%).

A majority of the Jewish citizens of Israel (53%), but not of the Arabs (33%), believe Netanyahu's declaration that his government will strive for peace with the Palestinians. However, a majority of both sectors supports Netanyahu's view that the key to achieving stability and quiet is "economic peace" based on advancing the economic condition of the Palestinians.

In contrast, however, to Netanyahu's refusal to commit himself to the formula of two states for two peoples, a majority of both sectors (56% of the Jews and 78% of the Arabs) currently favors working toward this solution. That is, the Israeli public thinks "economic peace" is a good idea but not enough to achieve ongoing quiet and stability.

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