Public Opinion Survey: 92.6% of Jordanian University Students Consider Israel the Primary Enemy
The Policy and Society Institute conducted an unprecedented field survey that revealed striking perceptions among Jordanian university students regarding the accelerating geopolitical transformations in the Middle East following the recent war between Iran and Israel. The study included 896 students from eight public and private universities and aimed to measure the level of political awareness and national and regional orientations among young Jordanians at a time when the region is witnessing one of its most sensitive and volatile phases.
The findings show that the university youth demonstrate a high level of political awareness and a cautious, critical outlook toward major powers, coupled with a deep attachment to the Palestinian cause and a clear rejection of sharp regional polarizations. This generation appears to be more conscious of the complexities of the geopolitical landscape—leaning toward political realism rather than ideological passion.
Regarding regional events, about 90% of students said they closely followed the developments of the Iran–Israel war, relying primarily on Arab and local media, while social media platforms ranked as the second most influential source shaping their opinions. This diversity of information sources reflects a blend between attachment to regional narratives and openness to global debates—signaling a shift in Jordanian youth’s political consciousness toward a more critical and interactive approach.
When asked which side benefited most from the war, 37.5% of respondents said the United States, compared to 18.5% for Iran and 14.6% for Israel, while roughly one-quarter believed the war produced no clear winner. Additionally, 75.2% expected the conflict to lead to greater tension and regional instability, indicating a prevailing sense of anxiety and uncertainty among young people regarding the trajectory of regional power balances.
As for the impact of the war on Jordan, 62.1% of respondents believed that the Kingdom would be indirectly affected, while about one-quarter expected a direct impact—reflecting a mature understanding of Jordan’s geopolitical position amid the surrounding tensions.
One of the most striking findings of the survey is the strong tendency toward neutrality among students regarding the warring parties: 80.5% stated that they do not sympathize with either side, while 11.7% expressed sympathy with Iran, citing its role in confronting Israel and defending Palestine and Gaza. Nevertheless, 92.6% agreed that Israel is the primary enemy of both Jordan and the Arab world, underscoring the deep-rooted popular stance toward the Arab–Israeli conflict despite shifting regional contexts.
Furthermore, 74.9% of respondents believed that the two-state solution is no longer viable under current conditions, while 53.3% supported expanding Jordan’s role in the West Bank, affirming their awareness of Jordan’s central role in the Palestinian question. This reflects a balance in youth consciousness between political realism and moral commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Students also expressed notable confidence in Jordanian diplomacy during the war on Gaza. 53.2% rated the performance of Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi since October 7 as “strong and effective,” while 85% expressed satisfaction with Jordan’s official position on the war, describing the Kingdom’s foreign policy as wise and balanced in managing the region’s fast-moving developments.
Regarding Jordan’s regional role, one-third of respondents preferred maintaining a stance of positive neutrality, while 25% believed the Kingdom should act as a mediator in regional conflicts—a reflection of a youth perspective that views Jordan as a model of preventive diplomacy and regional stability.
The study presented a detailed map of Jordanian youth attitudes toward key regional and international powers. 57.5% of students viewed the United States as an enemy, indicating declining trust in its traditional role in the Middle East. Meanwhile, 51.9% described Iran as an enemy, despite the presence of a small sympathetic minority. In contrast, 77.3% classified Syria and 67.3% classified Iraq as friendly countries, highlighting the depth of historical, geographic, and cultural ties that bind Jordan with its neighbors. Attitudes toward Turkey and China were generally balanced and relatively neutral, signaling a pragmatic worldview that transcends ideological alignments.
According to the Policy and Society Institute, the findings underscore that Jordanian universities remain a vital arena for shaping youth political and social consciousness. Today’s students represent a new critical generation that rejects rigid polarizations, balancing national identity with regional openness. The study also reveals a generation that does not merely observe events but actively engages in national dialogue about Jordan’s role in its regional environment—while reaffirming the Palestinian cause as a central element of collective consciousness.
The Institute emphasized that these findings constitute an important indicator of the evolving political mindset among Jordanian youth—one that combines national commitment with regional awareness. Understanding the orientations of this generation, PSI noted, is essential for shaping future public and educational policies, as tracking the transformations in youth awareness has become a national necessity amid the region’s ongoing challenges. This, the Institute concluded, is key to building an informed public opinion capable of safeguarding Jordan’s national interests and enhancing regional stability.
To read the full survey, click here.