Approval of Israel's Actions in Gaza Falls Among Americans, Poll Shows

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
27/03/2024 22h26

In a recent Gallup poll, it has been revealed that the approval of Israel's actions in Gaza has dropped among Americans for the first time since the conflict began. The survey, conducted between March 1 and 20, indicates that 55% of Americans now disapprove of Israel's actions, with 36% approving, and 9% having no opinion.

The poll highlights a significant shift in public opinion, as in November, when the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first initiated the offensive in the Palestinian enclave, at least half of all Americans approved of the operation. At that time, 45% expressed disapproval, and 4% had no opinion.

Political division over approval remains clear and consistent, with Republicans still overwhelmingly supporting Israel. However, even among this group, approval has dropped from 71% in November to 64% in March. On the other hand, Democrats, who have mostly disapproved of the action from the beginning, saw an even greater decline in support, with approval plummeting to 18%, and 75% expressing disapproval.

The poll was taken before the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on Monday, calling for a cease-fire during Ramadan. Critics argue that the U.S. action at the UN has damaged U.S.-Israel relations and left America's reputation as a credible ally in ruins.

As Americans followed the news of the crisis, the survey found that 74% of Americans said they were actively following the updates, a slight increase from the 72% who reported the same in November.

Gallup also highlighted the challenge President Biden faces among his "most loyal supporters." Some critics argue that he has been too closely aligned with Israel by not taking stronger actions to promote a cease-fire and aid Palestinian civilians caught in the war zone. Biden's handling of the situation received only 16% approval, according to a Gallup poll released last week, while Democrats gave him a 47% approval rating, a significant drop from the 60% approval in November.

The coverage of the conflict has varied, with Americans absorbing the information through traditional media, social media, and conversations with friends and colleagues. Jon Alterman, director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Middle East Program, noted that the narrative in Israel differs profoundly from the rest of the world. Israelis are focused on stories of their own suffering and heroism, as well as the persistent threats from Palestinians. Israeli media barely covers civilian casualties in Gaza or the humanitarian conditions there.

The latest poll findings suggest a changing sentiment among Americans regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. It remains to be seen how these shifting attitudes will impact the U.S.-Israel relationship and shape future policies in the region.

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