Summary
A recent Pew Research Center survey highlights significant changes in American public opinion regarding Israel and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The findings, released as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington on April 7, reveal growing skepticism about Israel and its leadership, as well as waning personal and national interest in the conflict.
Favorability Toward Israel
Over half of Americans (53%) now hold an unfavorable opinion of Israel, marking an 11-point increase since 2022. This shift began before the October 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent Israeli invasion of Gaza. Notably, Democrats are more likely than Republicans to view Israel negatively (69% vs. 37%), with older Democrats driving much of this change. Among religious groups, Jewish Americans and White evangelical Protestants remain largely favorable toward Israel, while Muslims and religiously unaffiliated individuals express predominantly negative views.
Confidence in Netanyahu
Confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains low among Americans, with only 32% expressing trust in his ability to handle world affairs. This sentiment is sharply divided along partisan lines: 51% of Republicans express confidence in Netanyahu compared to just 15% of Democrats. Among Jewish Americans, opinions are split, with 45% expressing confidence and 53% lacking it.
Diminished Importance of the Conflict
Fewer Americans now consider the Israel-Hamas war personally important (54%) or critical to U.S. national interests (66%) compared to early last year. Older adults and Jewish Americans are more likely to view the conflict as significant, while younger Republicans show increasing uncertainty about its relevance.
Polarized Views on Trump's Approach
Americans remain divided on President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict. While 31% believe he favors Israelis too much, 29% feel he strikes the right balance between Israelis and Palestinians. Jewish Americans are similarly split, with 36% saying Trump leans too heavily toward Israel and 43% viewing his approach as balanced.
Two-State Solution and U.S. Role
Support for a two-state solution has declined, with fewer than half (46%) believing peaceful coexistence between Israel and an independent Palestinian state is possible. Democrats are more optimistic than Republicans about this prospect (56% vs. 36%). Meanwhile, a majority of Americans (61%) favor U.S. involvement in diplomatically resolving the conflict, though most prefer a minor role.
Public Opinion on U.S. Policy Proposals
Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. take control of Gaza is overwhelmingly unpopular, with 62% opposing it outright. Jewish Americans are slightly more supportive than other groups but still largely reject the idea (64%).
Broader Implications
The survey underscores a growing divide in American attitudes toward Israel, driven by generational, partisan, and religious differences. While sympathy for Israel persists among certain groups, broader public sentiment reflects increasing criticism of its government’s actions and skepticism about its leadership.
