By: Aaron Lerner 18 November, 1998

A survey by Gallup (Israel) commissioned by IMRA finds that 58.3% Of adult Israeli Jews do not expect Arafat to declare a Palestinian state in May and use force to get eastern Jerusalem. 29.7% believe that Israel should already act now as if Arafat has declared a state. IMRA commissioned the poll after several Palestinian officials explained that the Palestinian obligations set by the interim agreement do not apply after May 4, when the five year interim period ends.

Complete results follow:

Gallup Survey commissioned by IMRA

504 Adult Israeli Jews, Wednesday night, 18 November, 1998. Survey error +/- 4.4 percentage points.

1. Yasser Arafat said this week that he will declare a Palestinian state in May and will not hesitate to use force in order to get eastern Jerusalem. In your opinion, will he carry out his threat?

Total Population:

Yes 30.9% No 58.3% Don't Know 10.8%

Voted Peres:

Yes 21.5% No 71.4% Don't know 7.0%

Voted Netanyahu:

Yes 41.2% No 46.6% Don't know 12.2%

2. The Government of Israel has decided that if Arafat unilaterally declares a Palestinian state that Israel will apply Israeli law to the area of Judea and Samaria still under Israeli control. In light of Arafat's threats, should Israel act now as if Arafat has already declared a state or wait until May and then apply Israeli law?

Total Population:

Act now 29.7% Wait 58.3% Don't know 12.0%

Voted Peres:

Act now 15.4% Wait 73.9% Don't know 10.6%

Voted Netanyahu: