American public support for Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza has significantly decreased over the past year, with a mere 32 percent of U.S. citizens now approving of Israel’s actions, according to a new Gallup poll released on Tuesday.
These findings represent a sharp 10-point decline from September 2024 and highlight a widening gap between U.S. government policy and public sentiment, especially in light of Israel’s devastating military campaign in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
The survey further revealed a clear partisan divide on the issue: while 71 percent of Republican respondents expressed approval of Israel’s conduct, only 8 percent of Democrats shared the same view. Overall, 60 percent of those surveyed indicated their disapproval of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
Analysts suggest that these results reflect a broader generational and political shift, particularly among younger Americans, who are becoming increasingly critical of Israel’s policies.
“What we’re seeing here is an entrenchment of a generational paradigm,” stated Professor Shibley Telhami, director of the Critical Issues Poll at the University of Maryland. “Young Americans – mostly Democrats and independents, but even some Republicans – now perceive the horror in Gaza as emblematic of the character of Israel itself.”
These latest findings align with an earlier Pew Research Center poll from April, which showed that a majority of respondents – including 50 percent of Republicans under 50 – held unfavorable views of Israel.
Despite this evident shift in public opinion, U.S. policy towards Israel has remained steadfastly unchanged. Since the onset of the war in Gaza, Washington has continued to provide extensive military and diplomatic backing to Israel, including billions of dollars in aid and consistent support at the United Nations.
Both President Donald Trump and his successor, Joe Biden, have expressed unwavering support for Israel’s actions, even amid widespread allegations from human rights organizations of war crimes and what many now describe as genocide. Over 60,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza, with the enclave facing near-total destruction, a suffocating blockade, and an escalating humanitarian catastrophe. The United Nations has warned of “mounting evidence of famine and widespread starvation” in Gaza as a result of the ongoing siege.
Nevertheless, the U.S. Congress remains firmly aligned with Israel. A recent attempt to block $500 million in missile defense support for Israel was overwhelmingly defeated in the House of Representatives, with only six lawmakers voting in favor of the motion.
The stark contrast between public sentiment and official policy has prompted questions about the responsiveness of U.S. elected officials. Professor Telhami attributed this disconnect to voter priorities. He noted, “Foreign policy traditionally does not drive American elections,” adding that issues such as the economy, abortion, and gun control continue to dominate the political discourse.
However, he acknowledged that the situation might be evolving. “Palestine is increasingly becoming a matter of moral reckoning for many Americans,” he said. “It’s not just about Gaza anymore. It’s about our complicity – through aid, support, or even collaboration – in what is happening there.”
He argued that the growing unease over U.S. policy towards Israel reflects a broader societal transformation. “This is about a paradigmatic shift in how Americans define who they are, not just about their stance on the Middle East.”
The recent Democratic primary victory of Zohran Mamdani, a staunch advocate for Palestinian rights, in New York City is viewed by some observers as a sign of this changing political landscape, particularly among progressive voters.
As public dissatisfaction grows, some analysts believe the issue may gradually exert more pressure on U.S. policymakers to reassess their approach – especially in an election year where the votes of young and progressive Americans could prove decisive.
