Ankara:Voters across the United States are increasingly questioning longstanding bipartisan support for US policy toward Israel. This shift follows the ongoing genocide in Gaza and Israel's continued occupation of the West Bank, prompting many to reconsider the unconditional US military aid and diplomatic support traditionally offered to Israel.
According to Anadolu Agency, British-Israeli analyst Daniel Levy has observed an unprecedented change in public opinion within the US. He notes that voters from various ideological backgrounds are reevaluating whether the US-Israel relationship benefits America, its taxpayers, and national security. Levy, who leads the US/Middle East Project, highlights that campaign finance, lobbying, and media consolidation have created a buffer for lawmakers against this changing sentiment.
Recent polls illustrate this shift in public opinion. A March survey by the Pew Research Center found that 60% of American adults view Israel unfavorably, up from 53% in 2025 and 42% in 2022. Similarly, a Marquette Law School survey revealed a 20-month decline in favorability toward Israel, with 59% of respondents expressing unfavorable views and 55% suggesting that the US provides too much military aid.
Levy warns that positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have become a critical measure of political integrity for voters, posing significant challenges for traditional support networks, such as the Republican Party. A Pew survey indicated that 57% of Republicans aged 18 to 49 view Israel unfavorably, reflecting a broader push against foreign expenditures.
The erosion of support has also affected traditional lobbying dynamics, with some candidates distancing themselves from endorsements by pro-Israel groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Donors are adapting by channeling political financing through independent expenditure channels, avoiding direct mentions of Israel.
Generational divides further accentuate this trend, with younger Americans showing less support for Israel. A Gallup poll found that only 9% of adults aged 18 to 34 approve of Israel's military operations, and a Harvard Youth Poll indicated that 46% of young Americans see ties with Israel as a burden.
Levy argues that the declining support transcends individual political figures like Netanyahu, pointing to deep-seated structural issues. He cautions that without external pressure, core policies of occupation and military force will persist, potentially leading to harsh repercussions for Israeli extremism. Looking forward, Levy outlines possible future scenarios, including continued support for Israel, a decisive break from traditional policies, or increased US involvement in regional conflicts.