A recent Gallup survey shows that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is rapidly becoming unpopular in the United States, so is the war he has unleashed on Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
The survey’s assessment of Americans’ views on Netanyahu, who faces charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust are getting increasingly unpopular. Netanyahu’s unfavourable rating of 47 per cent surpasses his favorable rating of 33pc, marking a significant reversal in trend since 2019.
Republicans continue to view him more favorably (55pc), while Democrats (14pc) and independents (30pc) show lower favourability. The poll, conducted from Dec 1 to Dec 20, 2023, provides insights into public opinions on the level of US engagement, approval of Israel’s military actions, and perceptions of support for Israel and the Palestinians. A November poll found Americans divided in their approval of Israel’s military action against Hamas, with Republicans twice as likely as Democrats to approve Israel. Approximately four in 10 Americans believe that the US is doing “about the right amount” (41pc) or “not enough” (39pc) to resolve the conflict, while 19pc think the US is doing “too much.”
Partisan differences are evident, with 40pc of both Republicans and Democrats feeling that the US is not doing enough. However, Democrats (48pc) are more likely than Republicans (33pc) to believe that US involvement is adequate, while Republicans (26pc) are more inclined than Democrats (11pc) to think the US is doing too much.
In a November poll, Americans expressed di-vided opinions on Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with Republicans being twice as likely as Democrats to approve.
While Israel has long been a US ally, President Joe Biden’s decision to send weapons to Israel has faced criticism from some Democrats. Concerns focus on civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The survey gauged Americans’ views on the level of support the US provides to Israel and the Palestinians. —Agencies
