Fact Check: Should Americans stand by Israel or Palestine?
What We Know
The question of whether Americans should support Israel or Palestine has become increasingly contentious, particularly in light of recent events surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Historically, the United States has been a steadfast ally of Israel, a relationship that has evolved since the establishment of Israel in 1948. However, recent surveys indicate a significant shift in public opinion. According to a Gallup survey conducted in March 2025, only 46% of Americans expressed support for Israel, marking the lowest level of support in 25 years. In contrast, 33% of respondents indicated sympathy for the Palestinians, the highest recorded level of support for them.
Additionally, a Pew Research Center survey found that more than half of U.S. adults (53%) now hold an unfavorable opinion of Israel, a notable increase from 42% in March 2022. This shift in sentiment appears to be particularly pronounced among younger Americans and Democrats, with a growing number expressing support for Palestinian statehood and rights.
Analysis
The evolving attitudes toward Israel and Palestine reflect a complex interplay of historical allegiance, current events, and demographic changes. The U.S. has long been Israel's most powerful ally, but recent events, including the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli military response, have sparked widespread protests and debates within the U.S. political landscape. Many demonstrators have criticized President Biden's administration for its unwavering support for Israel, leading to accusations of complicity in violence against Palestinians. This has resulted in a backlash among traditionally Democratic voters, as noted by Biden's former national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, who acknowledged the passionate feelings evoked by the conflict among various American communities.
The credibility of the sources reporting on these shifts is generally strong, with organizations like Gallup and Pew Research Center employing rigorous methodologies to gauge public opinion. However, it is essential to consider potential biases. For instance, media narratives can sometimes amplify extreme viewpoints or fail to capture the nuances of public sentiment. While the data indicates a decline in support for Israel, it is also important to note that a significant portion of the American public still expresses sympathy for Israel, albeit at lower levels than in the past. A Newsweek article reported that 37% of Americans still sympathize more with Israel compared to 32% for Palestinians.
Conclusion
The claim that Americans should stand by either Israel or Palestine is Partially True. While there is a clear trend of diminishing support for Israel among the American public, particularly among younger and more progressive demographics, a substantial portion of the population still maintains a favorable view of Israel. This duality reflects the complexity of American attitudes toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, influenced by historical ties, current events, and shifting social dynamics. As public opinion continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these sentiments will impact U.S. foreign policy in the future.
Sources
- Americans used to be steadfast in supporting Israel. No ...
- US views of Israel and Israel-Hamas war early in Trump’s ...
- Less Than Half in U.S. Now Sympathetic Toward Israelis
- Americans Grow More Divided on US Support for Israel
- In views of Israel-Hamas war, younger Americans stand out
- American Sympathy for Israel Reaches 'All-Time Low' in ...
- Poll: Americans' support for Israel at record low, backing ...
- Americans' Views of Both Israel, Palestinian Authority Down
