WASHINGTON: 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.

Mixed views on US involvement

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.

Approval of Israel’s actions

In a November poll, Americans expressed divided 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.

Perceptions of US support

The survey gauged Americans’ views on the level of support the US provides to Israel and the Palestinians. Thirty-eight per cent believe Israel receives the right amount of support, while 36pc think it gets too much, and 24pc believe it gets too little.

Views on US support for Palestinians are evenly divided, with roughly equal shares saying the US supports them too much, the right amount, or too little. Partisan differences are notable, with 40pc of Democrats and independents feeling the US supports Israel too much, compared to 26pc of Republicans. On the other hand, Republicans (37pc) are more likely than Democrats (15pc) and independents (22pc) to think the US is not assisting Israel enough.

Regarding support for Palestinians, 52pc of Republicans believe the US provides too much support, while 49pc of Democrats think US support is lacking.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2024