Washington, D.C. — Recent surveys reveal a significant drop in American approval of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, with current support plummeting to 32%, a decrease of 10 percentage points since September. This marks the lowest approval rating since Gallup first posed the question in November 2023.
Disapproval rates have surged to 60%, indicating a clear shift in public sentiment as Israel’s military campaign against Hamas approaches the 21-month mark.
Initially, American support for Israel’s actions was robust, particularly following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. However, subsequent polls have shown a steady decline in approval, peaking at 55% disapproval in March 2024, before experiencing a slight drop to 48% later that year.
Party affiliation appears to significantly impact opinions on Israel’s actions in Gaza, with Democrats and independents reporting a stark 16-point decline in approval. Currently, only 8% of Democrats approve of the military actions, while independents show slightly higher support at 25%. Meanwhile, a substantial 71% of Republicans continue to express approval, marking an increase from 66% in September.
Further insights from the July survey reveal that American approval for Israel’s military operations in Iran is marginally higher, standing at 38% in contrast to 54% disapproval. The partisan divide is again evident, with 78% of Republicans, 31% of independents, and only 12% of Democrats approving of Israel’s actions targeting suspected nuclear facilities.
Concerns surrounding the potential for escalating conflict due to the military actions in Iran, which included U.S. assistance, have not manifested as feared.
In a significant shift, Benjamin Netanyahu’s favorability among the American public has taken a notable hit, with 52% of Americans now viewing the Israeli Prime Minister unfavorably, the highest unfavorable rating he has received since 1997. Conversely, his favorable rating stands at just 29%, with 19% indicating no opinion.
Historically, perceptions of Netanyahu had been more positive until December 2023, when unfavorable impressions began to eclipse favorable ones. Polling data indicates that his unfavorable rating has effectively doubled since 2019, coinciding with the current conflict’s onset. The erosion in his favorable ratings parallels a sizeable decrease among those without an opinion.
During the polling period, Netanyahu visited the U.S. for discussions with President Donald Trump and other leaders, though he departed without securing a ceasefire agreement despite ongoing efforts from the Trump administration.
Republicans retain a positive view of Netanyahu, with 67% expressing favorable opinions, while only 19% of independents and a mere 9% of Democrats share this sentiment. This 58-point party gap marks the widest difference observed to date, underscoring sharp partisan polarization regarding both Israel’s military actions and Netanyahu.
Data indicates that Republicans’ perceptions of Netanyahu have remained consistent since 2019, while negative views among Democrats and independents have intensified.
Demographic factors contribute to varying perspectives on Netanyahu and Israel’s military efforts, as men, White adults, and older individuals express more favorable views compared to other groups.
In summary, the current polling data illustrates dwindling support for Israel’s military initiatives in Gaza, along with declining positive perceptions of Netanyahu among the American populace. Meanwhile, firm Republican backing for Israel’s actions reflects a growing partisan divide, posing challenges for both Israeli leadership and U.S. policymakers engaged in navigating this complex conflict.
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