First, second and third-order ethnic perception biases in assessing support for intergroup violence in Israel

This study explored perceptions of intergroup violence among Israeli Jews (n = 157) and Israeli Arabs (n = 84) after the October 7th terror attack. It examined whether actual support for violence or perceived support better predicts real-world attitudes. Findings show Israeli Jews express more support for intergroup violence and overestimate Arab hostility. Israeli Arabs recognise this misperception but underestimate its extent. Meanwhile, Jews wrongly believe Arabs overestimate Jewish hostility. These inaccurate meta-perceptions fuel intergroup tensions. Addressing them may be key to improving relations, as beliefs about how others see us can be as impactful as our own views.