US Support for Israel Slips as Democrats Grow More Critical, Poll Finds

Support for Israel among Americans has eroded significantly, with a new AP-NORC poll indicating growing criticism, especially from Democrats. This shift marks a departure from decades of bipartisan backing for the longtime U.S. ally, as the issue becomes increasingly polarizing along partisan and generational lines.

The poll reveals that about one-third of U.S. adults, including nearly half of Democrats, believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. This accusation, echoed by some human rights organizations, is vehemently denied by Israel and the U.S. government. Among Jewish adults, 30% hold this view, while 49% state Israel has not committed genocide.

Harold Kalmus, a 69-year-old Democrat from Delaware, expressed his disillusionment, stating, "I realize that there is a threat from Hamas. And I realize they’re in a very difficult situation, but what they have done is just an unspeakable horror. They’re trying to wipe out a civilization as far as I’m concerned."

American sympathies have been trending towards Palestinians since around 2020, but this sentiment has intensified since the latest war in Gaza began following Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023 attack. While many Americans remain unsure about the justification for Israel's initial military response and ongoing operations, a majority now question the latter. Only about one-third of U.S. adults consider Israel a personally important issue, yet it remains a contentious topic in American politics ahead of midterm elections.

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I realize that there is a threat from Hamas. And I realize they’re in a very difficult situation, but what they have done is just an unspeakable horror. They’re trying to wipe out a civilization as far as I’m concerned.