Why American support for Israel is collapsing after two years of war in Gaza

US public support for Israel declines

Nearly two years after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-fuelled attacks, US public support for Israel has crashed dramatically, a New York Times/Siena University poll said. In December 2023, nearly half of the American voters had more sympathy towards Israel, and only 20 percent had more sympathy for Palestinians. The numbers are now turned upside down: 34 percent sympathize with Israel and 35 percent with Palestinians, and the remaining are undecided or sympathize with both equally, the New York Times reported.

Opposition to assistance and further warfare

The poll found that the majority of Americans now oppose providing more economic or military aid to Israel, a sharp reversal from the bipartisan backing Israel has historically enjoyed. Six out of every ten voters responded that Israel should finish its Gaza campaign even if there are still captives being held hostage or Hamas is not destroyed. A growing higher percentage — 40 percent — now believe Israel is intentionally killing civilians, a nearly doubling of the share in 2023.

Democratic voters make the shift

Palestinian support has increased most forcefully among Democrats. Today, 54 percent of Democrats are more in sympathy with Palestinians, and only 13 percent are in sympathy with Israel. That is a nearly total reversal from two years ago, when Democrats were divided almost exactly in half. Older white college-educated Democrats have played a leading role in the shift.

Republicans continue to favour Israel, though less so

Republican voters continue to favour Israel with overwhelming majorities, 64 percent with Israel and just 9 percent with Palestinians. But even here, attitudes have eased. In 2023, 76 percent of Republicans identified with Israel. Republican voters told pollsters they wanted Israel to continue to battle but would like the US to reduce its active involvement.

Generational divides appear

Younger voters are far less pro-Israel than their predecessors. Nearly 70 percent of voters under the age of 30 said they opposed additional aid to Israel, signalling a generational change that could reshape US foreign policy for decades to come. Older voters are more nuanced, with some longtime friends now wondering if additional US aid has made any difference in ending the war.

Implications for US-Israel relations

The poll identifies increasing threats for a US-Israel relationship that has been a corner stone of US foreign policy since 1948. President Trump remains ideologically close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but domestic political divisions are widening. Democrats are coming under increasing pressure from their base to cut off military aid, while Republicans, though still overwhelmingly pro-Israel, show signs of tempering zeal.

What this suggests in the future

The results highlight the extent to which Gaza's long-term conflict has reformed American attitudes. Whereas once-bipartisan backing for Israel appeared unshakeable, the war has now breached that consensus. Sympathy has begun to shift toward Palestinians among younger generations particularly, while indicating a possible long-term shift in US attitudes toward the Middle East.