American public support for Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza has dropped significantly over the past year, with only 32 per cent of US citizens now approving of Israel’s conduct, according to a new Gallup poll released on Tuesday.
The findings represent a sharp 10-point decline from September 2024 and underscore a deepening divide between US government policy and public sentiment, particularly in light of Israel’s devastating military campaign in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
The survey further revealed a pronounced partisan split on the issue: while 71 per cent of Republican respondents voiced approval of Israel’s actions, only 8 per cent of Democrats said the same. Overall, 60 per cent of those surveyed said they disapprove of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
Analysts say the results reflect a wider generational and political shift, particularly among younger Americans, who are increasingly critical of Israel’s policies.
“What we’re seeing here is an entrenchment of a generational paradigm,” said 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.”
The latest findings align with an earlier Pew Research Center poll from April, which showed that a majority of respondents – including 50 per cent of Republicans under 50 – held unfavourable views of Israel.
Despite this visible shift in public opinion, US policy towards Israel has remained resolutely unchanged. Since the onset of the war in Gaza, Washington has continued to provide extensive military and diplomatic support to Israel, including billions of dollars in aid and consistent backing at the United Nations.
Both former President Donald Trump and his successor, Joe Biden, have expressed unwavering support for Israel’s actions, despite widespread allegations from human rights groups of war crimes and what many now term 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.
Yet, the US Congress remains firmly aligned with Israel. A recent attempt to block $500 million in missile defence support to Israel was overwhelmingly defeated in the House of Representatives, with only six lawmakers voting in favour of the motion.
The stark contrast between public sentiment and official policy has raised questions about the responsiveness of US elected officials. Professor Telhami attributed this disconnect to voter priorities. “Foreign policy traditionally does not drive American elections,” he noted, adding that issues such as the economy, abortion, and gun control continue to dominate the political discourse.
However, he acknowledged that the situation may 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 US policy towards Israel is reflective of 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 seen 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 US policymakers to reassess their approach – particularly in an election year where the votes of young and progressive Americans could prove decisive.
