Support for Israel among US voters has reached a historic low, with a recent survey revealing a significant shift in public opinion. The poll, conducted by Big Data Poll, surveyed 2,005 registered voters and found that only 29.1% expressed sympathy for Israel, compared to 21.4% who sided with the Palestinians. Nearly 30% of respondents indicated they sympathize with neither side, highlighting a growing weariness over the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The survey results have raised alarms among political analysts. According to Rich Baris, Director of Big Data Poll, the only demographic that continues to show majority support for Israel is among Republican voters aged over 50. This demographic shift underscores a broader trend of declining support for Israel, particularly in the wake of escalated violence in Gaza.
Support for Israel surged to 54% shortly after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis. This attack prompted Israel to launch extensive military operations in Gaza, including air strikes and a ground invasion. As the conflict progressed, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensified, with local health officials reporting nearly 70,000 Palestinian deaths since the onset of hostilities.
The Big Data Poll indicates that nearly 40% of registered US voters perceive Israel’s actions in Gaza as tantamount to genocide. In contrast, approximately 30% of respondents disagreed with this characterization, reflecting a divided opinion on the moral implications of the ongoing conflict.
The survey’s findings come in the wake of a ceasefire that was established last month. Under this agreement, Hamas released the last of the Israeli hostages taken during the October attack in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. This development marked a temporary pause in the violence, but the underlying tensions remain unresolved.
As public opinion continues to shift, the implications for US foreign policy towards Israel and Palestine may become increasingly complex. The findings suggest a need for political leaders to address the evolving sentiments of their constituents, particularly as the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire.
