American Support for Israel's Gaza War Hits Historic Low as Public Opinion Shifts Dramatically
Gallup Poll Shows Only 32% Approval Rate for Military Actions, While Netanyahu's Ratings Plummet to an All-Time Low
American support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza has reached its lowest point since the war began, with only 32% of U.S. adults now approving of Israel's actions, according to a new Gallup poll released Tuesday. The survey, conducted from July 7-21, marks a 10-percentage-point decline from September 2024 and represents the most dramatic shift in American public opinion toward Israel in decades, highlighting growing partisan divisions and generational differences over the 21-month conflict that has devastated the Palestinian territory.
The polling data reveal that 60% of Americans now disapprove of Israel's military actions in Gaza, up from 45% in November 2023, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approval rating among U.S. adults has fallen to its lowest level since Gallup began tracking him in 1997.
"The increasingly skeptical and divided American public poses a challenge for Israeli leadership and U.S. policymakers who are seeking to navigate the conflict."
— Gallup poll analysis
Sharp Partisan and Generational Divides Emerge
The decline in support is driven primarily by Democrats and independents, with dramatic drops among younger Americans. Only 8% of Democrats now approve of Israel's actions, down from 36% in November 2023, while independent approval fell from 47% to 25% over the same period. Among Americans under 35, approval has plummeted to just 9%, compared to roughly half of those 55 and older who still support Israel's campaign.
Republicans, however, have maintained their support, with 71% approving of Israel's military actions, up slightly from 66% in September 2024. This represents a stark partisan divide that reflects broader political polarization over Middle East policy.
"What we're observing is the solidification of a generational perspective among particularly younger Americans – predominantly Democrats and independents, but also some young Republicans – who now view the atrocities in Gaza as indicative of Israel's identity," Shibley Telhami, a professor at the University of Maryland and director of the Critical Issues Poll, told Al Jazeera.
Netanyahu Faces Historic Low Approval Ratings
Netanyahu's personal standing among Americans has reached unprecedented lows, with 52% viewing him unfavorably compared to 29% who view him favorably. Among Americans under 35, only 6% hold a positive view of the Israeli Prime Minister. This represents the most negative rating Netanyahu has received since Gallup first included him in polling during his initial term as prime minister in 1997.
The timing of the poll, conducted while reports of widespread starvation in Gaza drew international criticism of Israel's restrictions on food aid, may have influenced these historic lows. The United Nations reported Tuesday that there is "growing evidence of famine and widespread starvation" as a result of Israel's blockade of the territory.
"What we're observing is the solidification of a generational perspective among particularly younger Americans who now view the atrocities in Gaza as indicative of Israel's identity."
— Shibley Telhami, University of Maryland professor"This isn't self-defense. It must cease."
— Congressman Wesley Bell, responding to starvation reports
Policy vs. Public Opinion
Despite the dramatic shift in public sentiment, Washington's unconditional support for Israel remains largely unchanged. Since the conflict began, the U.S. has provided Israel with billions in military assistance and diplomatic support at the United Nations. Both President Donald Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden have firmly backed Israel's offensive, which human rights organizations have characterized as genocidal.
The disconnect between public opinion and policy decisions remains stark. Earlier this month, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly rejected an attempt to block $500 million in missile defense funding for Israel, with a vote of 422 to six. This suggests that despite growing public skepticism, bipartisan congressional support for Israel remains robust.
Telhami attributes this gap to voter "priorities," noting that foreign policy typically doesn't play a central role in elections. "Domestic issues such as abortion, the economy, and gun control tend to overshadow foreign policy concerns for Democrats," he explained.
The Human Cost Drives Opinion Change
The poll was conducted during a period of intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 60,000 Palestinians and left much of the territory in ruins. Recent reports of mass starvation have particularly shocked American audiences, with Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu appearing to confirm that Israel is intentionally starving Gaza, stating, "there is no nation that feeds its enemies".
According to Gaza's health ministry, at least 127 people have died from malnutrition in the enclave, with five deaths reported in a single day. The humanitarian crisis has prompted criticism even from previously supportive American lawmakers, including Congressman Wesley Bell, who recently stated, "I have supported Israel's right to exist and defend itself. That hasn't changed. But supporting this government's actions—allowing people to starve and firing on civilians seeking aid—is something I cannot endorse".
Growing Congressional Pressure Despite Institutional Support
While institutional support for Israel remains strong in Congress, some lawmakers are beginning to voice concerns about the humanitarian situation. Congresswoman Summer Lee remarked Friday that Israel is obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza while targeting those seeking assistance. "Bodies are collapsing in the streets from extreme starvation. Horrors upon horrors," Lee expressed on social media. "The US must cease funding Israel's manufactured famine and genocide".
However, many lawmakers who have addressed the crisis have been more cautious, with several refraining from directly blaming Israel or prefacing mild critiques with denunciations of Hamas. This reflects the continued political sensitivity around criticizing Israel in American politics, despite shifting public opinion.
Impact of Lobbying and Political Influence
Telhami highlighted the influence of pro-Israel organizations, such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which have invested substantial resources to defeat opponents of the Israeli government, particularly targeting progressive candidates during Democratic primaries. This institutional support helps explain why policy has remained relatively unchanged despite the dramatic shift in public opinion.
The professor also noted the impact of successful Palestinian rights advocates like Zohran Mamdani, who won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary. "The emergence of Zohran Mamdani in New York is prompting reflection because he has sparked excitement, not despite his views on Israel-Palestine but indeed because of them," Telhami concluded.
A Fundamental Shift in American Perspectives
The polling data suggests more than just opposition to specific military tactics—it reflects what Telhami describes as fundamental soul-searching among American voters. "It's not merely Gaza. It's about our role as a nation in enabling the atrocities occurring there – through our aid, support, or even direct collaboration," he explained.
This represents a significant departure from traditional American foreign policy discourse, where support for Israel has been a bipartisan constant for decades. The generational divide is particularly stark, with younger Americans increasingly viewing the conflict through a lens of human rights and international law rather than traditional security considerations.
Political and Policy Implications
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the polling data present challenges for both parties. Democrats face pressure from their increasingly skeptical base to distance themselves from unconditional support for Israel, while Republicans maintain strong backing among their supporters for continued military aid and diplomatic support.
The trend suggests that Palestine is gaining prominence in American political discourse, with voters examining the issue through what Telhami calls a lens of "soul-searching" about American values and international engagement. Whether this translates into actual policy changes will depend on how successfully advocates can mobilize this shifted public opinion into electoral pressure on lawmakers.
The dramatic decline in American support for Israel's Gaza campaign, combined with historic lows in Netanyahu's approval ratings, marks a potential inflection point in U.S.-Israel relations. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues and public opinion solidifies around opposition to the military campaign, policymakers face increasing pressure to reconcile America's stated values with its Middle East policy, even as institutional support for Israel remains entrenched in Washington's political establishment.