In discussing Chuck Hagel’s nomination (which I’m not), a number of commentators described Israeli public opinion on the Middle East conflict in ways that are at odds with reality.

To illustrate with one clear example, journalist Carl Bernstein opined that “Israelis are divided down the middle, just like we are.” His fellowcommentators nodded sagely in agreement, though there is little basis for such an assertion.

Israelis are not particularly divided in their desire for peace. Sixty-eight percent of Israeli Jews support peace negotiations with the Palestinians, with just 27 percent opposed. Israelis’ commitment goes beyond just talking: Sixty percent support the principle of two states for two peoples.

A larger 68 percent would support a specific “two-state peace agreement