The survey reveals a significant decline in public opinion toward Israel, with a growing number of American voters expressing sympathy for the Palestinian cause. Around 40% believe the IDF’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide, a recent poll indicates. BDP Director Rich Baris noted that the only group showing majority support for Israel is Republican voters over 50 years of age. The poll highlights a stark divide in opinions, with nearly 30% of voters expressing no sympathy for either side of the conflict, indicating a clear sense of weariness with the ongoing conflict.
Support for Israel in the US has seen a marked shift since the aftermath of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which led to the loss of 1,200 lives and initiated Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza. The initial spike in support for Israel has since waned as the death toll in Gaza has increased, according to the survey. It notes that nearly 70,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, with local health officials confirming the high number of casualties. The BDP poll indicates that 40% of American voters believe Israel’s actions constitute genocide, while 30% disagree, raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis and its impact on public sentiment.
A ceasefire took effect last month, following the exchange of the last remaining living Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, as per the latest developments. This development has not significantly altered public opinion but has been noted as an important step toward resolving the ongoing conflict. The survey underscores the deepening divide and the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis, highlighting the significant impact of the conflict on American public perception and international relations.