NEW YORK (AP) — A recent AP-NORC poll has revealed a significant decline in bipartisan support for Israel among U.S. adults, with particular opposition emerging from Democrats and signs of division within the Republican Party. This survey arrives at a time when American opinions on foreign policy regarding Israel are increasingly polarized along partisan and generational lines, particularly following criticisms of Israel's actions during its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
According to the poll, about one-third of U.S. adults, including nearly half of Democrats, believe that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians during the conflict, a claim that has been strongly denied by both Israel and the U.S. government. Approximately 20% of Americans do not believe this accusation, with the rest indicating that they lack enough knowledge to form an opinion. Among Jewish adults, 30% shared the viewpoint that Israel has committed genocide, while 49% disagreed.
Harold Kalmus, a 69-year-old Democrat from Arden, Delaware, expressed his disillusionment with Israel, stating, "what they have done is just an unspeakable horror." He noted that Israel’s military actions appear to him as an attempt to "wipe out a civilization." This sentiment reflects a broader trend of declining sympathy for Israel in the U.S., particularly after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in substantial casualties on both sides, with over 73,000 Palestinians reportedly killed in Gaza according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
While many Americans, about 40%, are uncertain about the justification of Israel's military response to Hamas, those who do have an opinion lean towards believing that the current military operations are unjustified. Among Jewish adults, approximately 75% supported Israel’s initial response to the Hamas attack, but only about 40% felt similarly about the ongoing military actions.
The poll highlighted a marked shift in Democratic Party views. Currently, 58% of Democrats believe that the U.S. is "too supportive" of Israel, a rise from 45% reported in January 2024. Moreover, around 62% of Democrats now feel the U.S. is "not supportive enough" of Palestinians, a significant increase from previous years. Younger Democrats continue to show stronger support for Palestinian rights compared to older generations, which is a growing trend as views among older Democrats are shifting closer to their younger counterparts.
Joy Jennik, a 73-year-old Democrat from Wisconsin, stated that she did not have firm opinions on the U.S.-Israel relationship until the recent conflict, after which she concluded that Israel is guilty of genocide, lamenting the devastation in Gaza.
In contrast, Republican support for Israel remains stronger, with only 13% describing Israel’s actions as genocidal. Nonetheless, younger Republicans, specifically those under 45, exhibit a more critical perspective, with 20% acknowledging accusations of genocide. Despite this, 60% of Republicans still regard U.S. support for Israel as "about right."
Mike Cardona, a 70-year-old Republican from Arizona, expressed his satisfaction with the level of U.S. support for Israel, asserting that he supports stronger military action against Hamas. This highlights a divided opinion among Republicans, particularly between younger and older members regarding the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Furthermore, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced widespread unpopularity, particularly among Jewish adults, where 60% view him unfavorably. The general sentiment indicates displeasure directed towards his leadership style, often perceived as overly aligned with American political divisions. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a prominent critic of Israel, holds a more favorable view among Democrats compared to Netanyahu, with 50% of Democrats showing a favorable impression of him.
As the upcoming midterm elections approach, many Americans prioritize economic issues over international relations, showcasing varied interests that reflect the complexity of American political dynamics. For voters like Michael Ripka, a 34-year-old from Wyoming, domestic economic challenges overshadow foreign policy concerns, as he notes conflicts in the Middle East feel like a "very big distraction."
The AP-NORC poll, conducted with a representative sample of 3,040 adults between June 11-17, provides a detailed insight into the shifting attitudes towards Israel and the Palestinians among the American populace, revealing underlying tensions and changing perspectives amid an evolving political landscape.
