A recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has revealed a significant decline in bipartisan backing for Israel, marking a dramatic shift in a foreign policy issue once considered a consensus. The survey highlights growing opposition among Democrats and emerging divisions within Republican ranks, as criticism mounts over Israel’s conduct nearly three years after the latest conflict with Hamas in Gaza began. Approximately one-third of U.S. adults, including about half of Democrats, believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians during the war in Gaza.
This accusation, leveled by some human rights organizations and vehemently denied by both Israel and the U.S. government, is not universally accepted, with roughly 2 in 10 Americans disagreeing and the remaining half unsure. Notably, about 30% of Jewish adults share this view, though nearly half, 49%, do not. Harold Kalmus, a 69-year-old Democrat from Arden, Delaware, who identifies as Jewish by birth, expressed his disillusionment with Israel’s actions, stating that they are trying to wipe out a civilization.
These sharply eroded views come nearly three years after Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 deaths in Israel, predominantly civilians, and 251 hostages taken to Gaza. Since then, more than 73,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties. While American sympathies had been gradually shifting towards Palestinians since around 2020, this trend has accelerated significantly since the current war in Gaza commenced.
Regarding Israel’s military actions, about 4 in 10 Americans remain undecided on whether the immediate response to Hamas’ attack or its ongoing operations were justified. Among those with an opinion, most deemed the initial retaliation justified, but a majority now believe its current actions are not. This sentiment is echoed among Jewish adults, with about three-quarters justifying the initial response, but only 4 in 10 supporting ongoing operations.
The relationship between the two nations remains tense, particularly with high-stakes midterm elections approaching that will determine the balance of power in Congress for what would be the final two years of Donald Trump’s term. Vice President JD Vance recently criticized Israeli leaders for expressing frustration with Trump, while vocal critics of Israel have secured victories against establishment-backed Democrats in recent New York and Colorado primaries. The poll reveals a decisive shift within the Democratic Party.
Approximately 58% of Democrats now believe the U.S. is
