A survey published by CNN highlights a significant decline in the popularity of Israel among the American public, with an unprecedented shift in favor of the Palestinians. While in 2022, Americans expressed sympathy for Israel with a 28-point advantage, the trend reversed in 2026, with an 11-point gap in favor of the Palestinians. Overall, net support for Israel has plummeted from +13 points to -23 points, a 36-point drop in four years.
This erosion also affects the Republican camp, historically favorable to Israel. Among Republicans under 50, support has dropped from +28 points to -16 points. A similar trend is observed among moderate or liberal Republicans, where support has shifted from +26 to -9 points. Politically, this shift is notably reflected in the Kentucky Republican primary, where candidate Thomas Massie, a critic of Israel, is widely favored despite opposition from President Donald Trump and pro-Israel circles.
Analysts attribute this turnaround to the prolonged war conducted by Israel in the Middle East, whose international repercussions strongly influence American opinion, especially among younger generations. Increasing global criticism seems to be reshaping perceptions of the conflict and undermining traditional support for the Jewish state.
On the Democratic side, the change is even more pronounced. Among moderate or conservative party voters, support for Israel has collapsed, from +3 points in 2022 to -55 points today. A similar drop is observed among men under 50, a key group in the 2024 election, where opinion shifted from -3 to -47 points.
The personal popularity of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu follows the same trajectory. After reaching a positive level in early 2024, it is now negative by 23 points, and even -35 points among independent voters, a level comparable to that of Donald Trump. Finally, interest in the role of the pro-Israel lobby is intensifying, with a dramatic increase in online searches for AIPAC, a sign that the Israeli issue is becoming increasingly divisive in American political debate.
Context: Survey shows a significant shift in American public opinion towards Israel and the Palestinians. Fact Check: Check the latest polls and surveys to confirm the trends in public opinion towards Israel and the Palestinians.
