US support for war on Gaza rises to 42%, Gallup poll shows
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A recent Gallup poll reveals that public support for the Israeli war on Gaza has increased to 42%, up 6 percentage points since March 2024.
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US President Joe Biden meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on October 18, 2023 (AFP)
The United States public support for “Israel’s” genocide in the Gaza Strip has increased by 6 percentage points since March, Gallup’s opinion polls revealed on Wednesday, bringing the total of US adults in support of the occupations' military campaign to 42%.
The poll occurred between June 2-23, showing that 48% of US adults disapprove of “Israel’s” war on Gaza. Notably, the poll occurred amid the occupations’ invasion of the city of Rafah, and it was completed prior to an announcement claiming significant progress in a cease-fire deal.
The majority of the US adults approval of the occupation’s military campaign is composed of 76% of Republicans, a 12 percent increase since October 7, 2023. In addition, a 5-percent increase in the Democrats’ and independents’ support was found, showcasing 23% and 34%, respectively.
Read more: Internal strife threatens Netanyahu's government amid Israeli losses
Gallup's initial poll after October 7 took place in November. The data revealed that 50% of Americans were in support of "Israel's" war on the Gaza Strip, while 45% disapproved. The 50% of approval largely consists of Republicans (71%), followed by independents (47%) and Democrats (36%).
In March, however, the approval rate dropped to 36% with the disapproval rate increasing to 55% as a result of the United Nations and the international community's concern about Gaza's deteriorating humanitarian state.
The polls also found that adults over the age of 55 (51%), and adults between the ages of 35 and 54 (43%), are more likely to approve of "Israel's" war on Gaza compared to Americans under 34 years old (27%).
Americans' unfavorable view of Israeli PM Netanyahu
Since Gallup began polling American views on Benjamin Netanyahu in 1997, he had generally been viewed more positively than negatively.
However, this trend reversed sharply in December 2023, when his unfavorable rating of 47% exceeded his favorable rating of 33%.
The latest poll shows this negative trend continuing, with 45% of Americans viewing him unfavorably and 35% favorably.
Political Reactions
According to Gallup, the low approval ratings of Benjamin Netanyahu among rank-and-file Democrats reflect a broader dissatisfaction with his policies and actions as "Israel’s" prime minister.
While the US continues to support "Israel", key Democratic leaders such as President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have voiced concerns about the humanitarian impact of "Israel’s" military actions in Gaza.
This tension is evident in the planned boycott by some Democrats in Congress of Netanyahu’s upcoming address to a joint session.
Read more: Netanyahu's new conditions could stall ceasefire talks: WashPo
Conversely, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has invited Netanyahu to speak to Congress, and Netanyahu is expected to meet with President Biden during his visit to the US.
Although Chuck Schumer had publicly called for new elections in "Israel" earlier in the year, he will still attend the address out of respect for the broader US-"Israel" relationship.
What are the Implications
More Americans currently disapprove of "Israel’s" military actions in Gaza than approve, and overall, views of Benjamin Netanyahu are also negative.
Republicans are significantly more supportive of both "Israel’s" genocidal campaign and Netanyahu compared to Democrats and independents.
As a potential cease-fire agreement and Netanyahu’s visit to the US approach, there is a possibility that American opinions on "Israel" and its leader could change in the near future.
