Public Support for Israel Drops Sharply Across the US

Post by : Jyoti Singh

Photo: Reuters

A new national survey from the respected Gallup polling group has revealed that only 32% of Americans now support Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. This shows a sharp 10-point drop from September 2024. As the war continues and images of destruction and civilian suffering spread, many in the United States are rethinking their views on Israel’s actions and the U.S. government’s support for them.

According to the poll, 60% of Americans now say they disapprove of Israel’s military operations. The survey also showed that opinions on this issue are sharply divided by political party and age. While most Republicans (71%) still support Israel’s actions, only 8% of Democrats said the same. Among people under 35 years old, support is even lower. Only 9% of young adults in that group support what Israel is doing in Gaza.

These numbers show a clear and growing divide between older and younger Americans and between different political groups. Many experts believe that Americans, especially the younger generation, are shifting their views of the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

One of those experts is Shibley Telhami, a professor at the University of Maryland. He leads a research group focusing on important political issues in the United States. Professor Telhami believes that people are no longer seeing the violence in Gaza as a separate issue. Instead, many now see it as part of a larger problem that reflects the character of Israel and how it treats Palestinians.

In a recent interview, he explained that many young Americans especially Democrats, independents, and even some young Republicans now look at the suffering in Gaza as something the U.S. has a role in. It’s not just about Israel or Palestine anymore, he said. It’s about who we are as a country and what kind of values we support.

One of the most striking results from the poll is the very low approval rating for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Only 6% of people under 35 said they have a favourable view of him. Even among older age groups, his support has dropped.

Despite this clear shift in public opinion, U.S. leaders have continued to give full support to Israel. Since the war in Gaza began, the U.S. government has provided Israel with billions of dollars in military aid. American leaders have also used their power at the United Nations to protect Israel from criticism and prevent international investigations.

Both former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden have stood firmly with Israel. Neither has shown signs of changing that policy, even as more Americans begin to question the country’s actions in Gaza.

Human rights groups have described Israel’s actions as extremely violent, with many calling it a form of genocide. The numbers support those claims. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, and much of Gaza has been turned into rubble. Israel’s ongoing siege has blocked the flow of food, water, and medicine, causing widespread hunger. The United Nations recently said that there is strong evidence of famine and mass starvation in Gaza.

Still, the U.S. Congress remains overwhelmingly supportive of Israel. Earlier this month, a vote was held to stop \$500 million in missile defence aid to Israel. The proposal failed by a huge margin, with 422 members voting against it and only six voting in favour. This happened even though public support for Israel has dropped.

Many people are now wondering why elected officials continue to back Israel when so many ordinary Americans no longer do. Professor Telhami says part of the answer lies in what matters most to voters. Issues like the economy, healthcare, abortion, and gun laws usually play a bigger role in elections than foreign policy. Because of that, politicians don’t feel much pressure to change their stance on international issues.

He also pointed to the strong influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups, like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). These groups spend large amounts of money in elections, especially during Democratic primaries, to defeat candidates who speak out against Israel’s policies. This has helped keep Congress firmly in support of Israel, even when public opinion is moving in the other direction.

However, there are signs that things may be changing. The issue of Palestine is starting to become more important to many voters, especially younger ones. People are starting to view it as more than just a conflict overseas. Instead, they see it as a moral issue  one that reflects what kind of country the U.S. wants to be.

There’s a deep sense of soul-searching

happening,Professor Telhami said. People are asking not just, ‘Do we support Israel or the Palestinians?’ but ‘What kind of values do we stand for as a nation?

One clear example of this shift came last month in New York City. A politician named Zohran Mamdani, who openly supports Palestinian rights, won the Democratic primary for mayor. Many experts were surprised by his success. They thought his support for Palestine would hurt his chances. But instead, it helped him.

His victory is now being seen as a sign that public opinion is changing. People are no longer afraid to stand up for what they believe in, said one political analyst. For many young Americans, supporting Palestinian rights is becoming a basic part of their identity just like standing up for racial justice, climate action, or LGBTQ+ rights.

For now, the U.S. government shows no signs of changing its position. But the growing gap between public opinion and official policy may become harder to ignore. As more voters, especially younger ones, make their voices heard, politicians may soon have to rethink how they approach the issue of Israel and Palestine.

Looking ahead, the situation in Gaza remains dire. Food and medicine are still scarce. Homes, schools, and hospitals have been destroyed. And people continue to die every day. Many around the world are calling for a permanent ceasefire and a fair solution that respects the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.

Back in the United States, the debate continues. Will the voices of ordinary Americans, especially the younger generation, bring about change? Or will powerful lobby groups and political traditions keep things the way they are? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear the conversation around Israel, Palestine, and America’s role in the conflict is changing, and it’s not going away anyti