Israel's Military Action in Gaza Loses Support in U.S., Gallup Shows

Public Approval of Israel's Military Actions in Gaza Hits Historic Low

A recent Gallup poll has revealed that only 32% of Americans approve of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, marking the lowest level of support since the question was first asked in November 2023. This significant drop comes amid growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the region and a deepening divide among political groups.

The poll, conducted between July 7 and July 21, shows that disapproval of Israel’s military actions has risen to 60%, with stark differences across party lines. Only 8% of Democrats support the actions, while 25% of independents express approval. These low numbers have contributed to the overall decline in public favor for Israel’s approach in the conflict.

This shift in public opinion follows a period of heightened international scrutiny. Experts have warned of a potential famine in Gaza, with food insecurity reaching critical levels. The situation has drawn attention from global leaders and organizations, further intensifying pressure on the U.S. government to reconsider its stance on military aid to Israel.

Historical Trends in Public Opinion

Initially, after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, there was strong public support for Israel’s response. However, as the conflict progressed, disapproval began to surpass approval in subsequent surveys. By March 2024, disapproval reached a peak of 55%, before slightly decreasing to 48% later in the year.

Despite this decline, Republican support for Israel remains high, with 71% of Republicans approving of the military actions. This partisan divide is raising concerns about the future of the long-standing bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Several U.S. lawmakers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current trajectory. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) has announced he will oppose any military support for Israel due to the worsening humanitarian situation. Similarly, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced a joint resolution to block certain weapons shipments, including thousands of fully automatic assault rifles.

Congressional Actions and Military Aid

In April 2024, Congress approved over $14 billion in security assistance to Israel. Under the Biden administration, more than 100 separate foreign military sales were also approved, according to reports. However, President Biden faced criticism for delays in delivering some of the most destructive weaponry, under pressure from Democratic lawmakers to slow down shipments.

The Trump administration had previously stated its intention to expedite the delivery of approximately $4 billion in military assistance to Israel. This contrast highlights the differing approaches taken by administrations in supporting Israel’s military efforts.

Netanyahu’s Response and Public Perception

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed concern over the declining support for Israel within the Democratic Party. He emphasized his desire to maintain the strong support Israel has historically received and attributed the negative perception to a “concerted effort to spread vilifications and demonization against Israel in social media.”

Netanyahu claimed that once people are exposed to the facts, they will support Israel. However, the Gallup poll shows that 52% of Americans disapprove of Netanyahu, marking his highest unfavorable rating since 1997. The data reveals a clear partisan split: 67% of Republicans view him favorably, compared to just 19% of independents and 9% of Democrats.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook

As the conflict in Gaza continues, the U.S. public's shifting views on Israel's military actions reflect broader concerns about the humanitarian impact and the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts. With growing calls for restraint and a reevaluation of military support, the situation remains complex and dynamic.

The evolving landscape of public opinion, combined with political and international pressures, suggests that the U.S. may need to reassess its approach to supporting Israel. As the crisis unfolds, the role of the American public in shaping policy decisions will likely become even more significant.