Lowest in 24 years: Poll finds most Americans no longer sympathize with 'Israelis'

American sympathy toward the Palestinians has reached an all-time high, according to a recent Gallup poll.

The survey found that 33% of Americans sympathize with the Palestinians, a six-point increase from last year and the highest percentage ever recorded.

At the same time, sympathy for 'Israelis' has dropped to its lowest level in 24 years, with only 46% of respondents siding with 'Israel' amid its ongoing assault on Gaza. The previous low was 51% in 2001, a year after the Second Intifada.

Shifting Public Opinion

Historically, Americans have shown stronger support for 'Israel', which has been considered a key US ally. Since Gallup began tracking opinions in 1989, an average of 65% of Americans have viewed 'Israel' favorably. The lowest rating for 'Israel' before now was 45% in 1989, during the First Intifada.

The poll also found that 40% of Americans approve of former President Donald Trump's handling of the Israeli Occupation-Palestinian situation, possibly due to his role in brokering a ceasefire. This figure is lower than his overall presidential approval rating of 45%.

Political Divide: Democrats vs. Republicans

The poll highlights a stark divide between Democrats and Republicans on the issue:

• Republicans overwhelmingly support Israeli Occupation (83% view it favorably), while only 33% of Democrats share that view.
• Democrats are more sympathetic to the Palestinians (45% favorable) compared to only 18% of Republicans.
• Independent voters' support for 'Israel' has also declined, reaching its lowest point in Gallup’s surveys.

Declining Support for 'Israel' Among Democrats

Until 2022, Democrats largely sided with Israeli Occupation. However, support shifted that year, with equal numbers sympathizing with 'Israelis' and Palestinians. By February 2023, only 38% of Democrats sympathized with Israel, while 49% expressed support for Palestinians—the first time Palestinian sympathy outweighed 'Israeli' support among Democrats.

After attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,100 'Israeli' deaths and nearly 250 captives, Democratic support for Palestinians dipped by six points. However, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsened, sympathy for Palestinians rebounded by 16 points, reaching the majority level for the first time.

Support for a Palestinian State

Gallup has tracked American views on an independent Palestinian state since 1999. Currently, 55% of Americans support the establishment of a Palestinian state, while 31% oppose it and 14% remain undecided.

This support level has remained relatively stable since 2020, fluctuating between 52% and 55%. However, earlier surveys (before 2020) showed that while more Americans supported a Palestinian state than opposed it, support rarely crossed the majority threshold.