Fact Check: Does the majority of the US dislike Israel?

What We Know

Recent polling data indicates a significant shift in American attitudes towards Israel. According to a Pew Research Center survey, as of April 2025, 53% of U.S. adults expressed an unfavorable opinion of Israel, a notable increase from 42% in March 2022. This trend reflects a growing discontent with Israel's actions and policies, particularly in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Additionally, a Quinnipiac University poll revealed that 42% of voters believe the U.S. is "too supportive of Israel," while only 5% think the U.S. is not supportive enough. This sentiment is echoed by the fact that 50% of respondents think U.S. military strikes targeting Iran's nuclear program would make Americans less safe, indicating a broader skepticism about U.S. involvement in military actions that align with Israeli interests.

Analysis

The evidence suggests a clear trend towards negative perceptions of Israel among the American public. The Pew Research Center has documented a rise in unfavorable views, which have roughly doubled over a three-year period. This increase in negative sentiment correlates with heightened tensions in the Middle East and a perception that Israel's actions are detrimental to U.S. interests.

Moreover, the Quinnipiac University poll provides critical insights into public opinion regarding U.S. support for Israel. The fact that 42% of respondents view U.S. support as excessive indicates a significant portion of the population is questioning the traditional U.S.-Israel alliance. The poll's methodology, which includes a representative sample of registered voters, adds credibility to these findings.

However, it is important to note that support for Israel is not uniformly negative. The same Quinnipiac poll shows that 50% of voters support Israel's military actions against Iran, suggesting that while there is criticism of U.S. support for Israel, there is still a substantial base of support for Israel's military initiatives among certain demographics, particularly Republicans.

When evaluating the reliability of these sources, both the Pew Research Center and Quinnipiac University are recognized for their rigorous polling methodologies and non-partisan approaches. Their findings are widely cited in academic and policy discussions, lending credibility to the data presented.

Conclusion

The claim that the majority of the U.S. dislikes Israel is supported by recent polling data indicating a significant portion of the population holds unfavorable views towards Israel and believes the U.S. is overly supportive. With 53% of Americans expressing an unfavorable opinion of Israel and 42% believing U.S. support is excessive, the evidence strongly supports the conclusion that there is a growing discontent with Israel among the American public.

Verdict: True