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A recent national survey indicates that Americans’ perceptions of Israel have significantly declined in recent years, with notable shifts among Democrats and independents, according to Fox News. The NBC News-sponsored poll was conducted from February 27 to March 2 and coincides with ongoing debates within the Democratic Party over support for Israel, more than two years after the Israel–Hamas conflict in Gaza erupted.
Currently, only 32% of Americans view Israel positively, while 39% hold negative opinions—a stark contrast to three years ago when 47% saw Israel favorably and 34% negatively. The decline is especially pronounced among Democrats and independents. In 2023, Democrats were split evenly with 34% viewing Israel positively and 35% negatively, but the latest results show only 13% positive and 57% negative opinions. Independents’ favorable views have dropped from 40% to 21%, with negative opinions rising from 22% to 48%.
In comparison, Republican attitudes have remained relatively stable, with positive views decreasing slightly from 63% to 54%, and negative opinions increasing modestly from 12% to 18%. The survey also reveals that during a period when the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, Americans are now almost evenly divided over whether they sympathize more with Israelis or Palestinians. In 2013, there was a stronger tilt in favor of Israel, at 45% to 13%. Today, support for Palestine and Israel is nearly even, with 40% sympathizing more with Israel and 39% with Palestinians.
This shift is particularly striking among Democrats, who in 2013 favored Israel by a 34% to 18% margin. The latest polling shows Democrats now predominantly sympathize with Palestinians—67% compared to just 17% for Israel. Independents have also shifted, moving from a 37% to 10% favoring Israel to a 37% to 27% leaning toward Palestinians. Meanwhile, Republicans maintain strong support, with 69% favoring Israel now, consistent with past levels.
The study underscores a clear generational gap, with younger Americans showing a more considerable decline in positive views and sympathy for Israel than older generations. Although most Republicans remain largely supportive of Israel, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified disagreements among Democrats. This division is becoming a key issue in the upcoming 2026 Democratic primaries.
Over the past two and a half years, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in more than 72,000 deaths, according to Palestinian health authorities.
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