Rising Anti-Israel Sentiment Among Americans

In recent years, negative perceptions of Israel among Americans have risen sharply, particularly among Democratic and independent voters. According to a new national survey, this shift reflects a growing trend of scepticism and criticism towards Israel across the United States. Fox News has highlighted that changing attitudes among these voter groups are the primary drivers of this shift.

The survey, conducted by NBC News between 27 February and 2 March, comes at a time when the two-year military campaign in Gaza under Prime Minister Netanyahu has made support for Israel a contentious issue among Democrats.

Public Opinion Shift

The survey found that only 32 percent of Americans now hold a favourable view of Israel, while 39 percent express negative opinions. This marks a significant change compared to three years ago, when 47 percent viewed Israel positively and 34 percent negatively.

The decline in positive sentiment is most pronounced among Democratic and independent voters, while Republican support has remained relatively stable.

Among Democrats, positive perceptions of Israel have fallen from 34 percent to just 13 percent, with 57 percent now expressing negative views. Independent voters show a similar trend, with 21 percent holding positive views compared to 48 percent negative. Republicans have seen a smaller decline, with 54 percent expressing favourable opinions, down from 63 percent.

Sympathy Toward Israelis and Palestinians

The survey also reveals a near-even split in sympathy towards Israelis and Palestinians among Americans. In 2013, 45 percent of Americans sympathised with Israel, while only 13 percent expressed sympathy for Palestinians. Currently, 40 percent express sympathy for Israel and 39 percent for Palestinians.

Democratic voters have shifted most dramatically: in 2013, 34 percent supported Israel versus 18 percent for Palestinians; today, 67 percent sympathise with Palestinians and only 17 percent with Israel. Independents similarly now show greater sympathy for Palestinians (37 percent) than Israel (27 percent). Republicans continue to support Israel strongly, with 69 percent now expressing sympathy, compared to 13 percent for Palestinians.

Generational Differences

The survey highlights generational variation, with younger Americans showing the largest decline in positive views and sympathy towards Israel. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified divisions among Democrats and has emerged as a significant issue ahead of the 2026 primary elections.

Notably, over the past two and a half years, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in over 72,000 deaths, according to Palestinian health authorities. This human toll has influenced American perceptions, particularly among younger and politically independent voters.

Overall, the survey underscores a substantial shift in American public opinion, marked by growing anti-Israel sentiment, particularly among Democrats and independents, while Republican support remains robust. This evolution in attitudes reflects both generational and partisan divides, with the Gaza conflict acting as a key catalyst.