US public views Netanyahu negatively, poll finds

A majority of Americans hold negative views of Israeli Prime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a joint survey by YouGov and The Economist. The poll, conducted between July 25-27, found that 54% of 1,559 US respondents expressed a negative opinion of Netanyahu, while only 23% maintained a positive view.

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one of the best conversations I've ever had with a US president

The survey also indicated a strong sentiment regarding Netanyahu's actions in Gaza, with 47% of US respondents believing he is guilty of war crimes. Furthermore, 49% agreed that the US government should detain Netanyahu should he set foot in the United States, a stance influenced by an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Conversely, 27% opposed such a measure.

This sentiment contrasts with the US administration's position. In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defense official Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes in Gaza. However, US President Donald Trump previously stated he would not arrest Netanyahu if he visited the US.

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ensuring that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons

Netanyahu met with President Trump at the White House on July 28, 2026, for their first face-to-face discussions since the start of the Iran war. The White House described the closed-door talks as "positive and productive." The meeting aimed to bridge public differences concerning the war. Netanyahu described the conversation as "one of the best I've ever had with a US president," emphasizing their shared goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This meeting occurred ahead of crucial elections for both leaders later in the year.

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a very difficult person