Sharp decline in American support for Israel, survey reveals

A new survey from Pew Research Center suggests a significant shift in American public opinion towards Israel, one that could have long-term implications for the relationship between Washington and Jerusalem.

Around 60% of Americans now say they hold a somewhat or very unfavourable view of Israel, up sharply from 53% last year and just 40% in 2022. The proportion expressing a very unfavourable view has nearly tripled over that period to 28%. Confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also declined, with 59% of Americans saying they have little or no confidence in his handling of world affairs.

The survey, conducted in late March among more than 3,500 US adults, comes amid the ongoing US- and Israeli-led war in Iran. Taken together, the findings point to a broader trend: growing scepticism towards Israel across large parts of the American public.

While the US remains politically polarised on Israel, the latest data suggests the shift is increasingly bipartisan, driven in particular by younger voters.

Among Democrats, unfavourable views of Israel are now dominant. Around 80% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents express negative views, up from 69% last year and 53% in 2022. Nearly half of Democrats under 50 say they hold a very unfavourable opinion.

Republicans remain more supportive overall, but even here the trend is moving. A majority of Republicans still view Israel positively (58%), yet unfavourable views have increased, especially among younger Republicans. Among those aged 18 to 49, 57% now hold a negative view, up from 50% last year.