New Poll Highlights Divided Views on Israel’s Response to Gaza War
A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research has revealed that American views on Israel’s response to the Gaza war are deeply divided. The survey, conducted from November 2 to 6, shows that while Americans are increasingly likely to see Israel as an ally who shares US interests and values, there is skepticism among Democrats towards Israel that could pose a challenge for President Joe Biden.
The poll’s findings present a complex and nuanced picture, making it difficult for the White House to navigate public opinion with an upcoming election year in sight. Carolyn Reyes, a 36-year-old Democrat in New York, summed up the sentiments surrounding the issue: It’s just so complicated, and I will not even pretend to understand the complicated nature of the relationship between the United States and Israel.
In the poll, 44 percent of Americans described Israel as an ally who shares US interests and values, up from 32 percent in a previous survey conducted in August. However, when it comes to providing aid to Israel’s military in fighting Hamas, only 36 percent believe it to be extremely or very important. Additionally, 40 percent of Americans feel that Israel’s military response in the Gaza Strip has gone too far, while the health ministry in Gaza reported a death toll of 10,000 Palestinians due to Israeli bombardment and a recent ground invasion.
The sentiment that Israel’s counterattack has been excessive is more prevalent among Democrats, with 58 percent viewing it as such. Overall, 38 percent of Americans believe Israel’s response has been about right, and just 18 percent think it has not gone far enough.
Complicating matters further is the desire to balance multiple foreign policy goals simultaneously. The poll indicates that approximately six in ten Americans consider it extremely or very important for the US to help recover hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Additionally, roughly half of the respondents feel the same about preventing harm to Palestinian civilians and providing humanitarian relief in the territory.
The survey also uncovered dissatisfaction with President Biden’s handling of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Roughly two-thirds of Americans (63 percent) disapprove of his approach, while only one-third approves. This sentiment is consistent with Biden’s overall job approval rating, with 60 percent of US adults disapproving of his performance as president.
Robert Byrd, a 50-year-old Democrat in Virginia, expressed his satisfaction with Biden’s support for Israel. Byrd referenced the United States’ delayed response to the Holocaust during World War II and stated, I think we’ve learned from our mistakes of our past. It’s wonderful that we have a president that’s willing to step up and do the right thing. However, he emphasized that his support is contingent on the absence of US boots on the ground and his comfort with Israel’s response to Hamas’ attack.
Younger voters like Sean O’Hara, an 18-year-old from California, hold a different perspective. O’Hara, who is registered to vote but not affiliated with any political party, believes that funding a war is not aligned with his beliefs and that staying out of the conflict is the better option. He expressed concerns about Israel’s colonization of Palestine and the historical context surrounding the ongoing conflict.
The poll also revealed that Americans ascribe more responsibility for the current conflict to Hamas, which the US government deems a terrorist organization. Two-thirds of respondents (66 percent) believe that Hamas holds a lot of responsibility for the war, while 35 percent feel the same about Israel.
Despite differing views on the issue, roughly half of Americans (52 percent) are concerned that the recent war between Israel and Hamas will increase prejudice against Jewish people in the United States. Similarly, around four in ten respondents (43 percent) express concerns about prejudice against Muslim people. Democrats and Republicans share these concerns to varying degrees.
In conclusion, the poll underscores the divided opinions among Americans regarding Israel’s response to the Gaza war. While there has been an increase in Americans viewing Israel as a valued ally, there is skepticism within the Democratic Party and differing views on the appropriateness of Israel’s military actions. President Biden faces the challenge of balancing support for Israel’s defense with the evolving priorities of his party. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how public opinion and US foreign policy will intersect in the coming months.
