Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
A new poll conducted by Quinnipiac University has revealed a historic drop in American public support for Israel, as the war in Gaza grinds into its third year and accusations of genocide gain increasing traction across the political spectrum.
The poll, whose findings were first published by the Israeli daily Haaretz, found that only 47% of Americans now believe supporting Israel serves the national interest of the United States. In contrast, 41% said it does not, while 12% remained undecided. This marks a dramatic shift in public sentiment from a similar poll in December 2023, when 69% of respondents viewed Israel favorably and only 23% held a negative view.
Growing Perception of Genocide
Perhaps most strikingly, 50% of respondents now believe that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza an unprecedented figure in U.S. public opinion. The perception is most prevalent among younger Americans and Democratic voters, highlighting a widening generational and partisan divide on U.S. policy toward Israel.
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to massive Palestinian casualties. According to figures cited in the poll and corroborated by various humanitarian organizations, Israel’s ongoing military campaign has resulted in the deaths of more than 65,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children. Over 167,000 others have been injured, and famine conditions in parts of Gaza have claimed an additional 442 lives, including 147 children.
Despite consistent U.S. military aid and diplomatic backing, criticism of Israel’s conduct and Washington’s role in enabling it has intensified. The Quinnipiac poll suggests that public tolerance for unconditional support is waning.
Netanyahu’s Dwindling Reputation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, long a polarizing figure internationally, has seen his reputation deteriorate sharply among Americans. The survey shows that 49% of respondents now hold a negative impression of Netanyahu, while only 21% view him favorably.
This erosion of support reflects broader discontent with Israeli leadership and its approach to the conflict. Netanyahu, who has faced corruption trials at home and has pushed forward controversial judicial reforms, has become a focal point for criticism from both American voters and international observers.
Trump’s Gaza Policy Also Unpopular
The poll also examined views on former President Donald Trump’s handling of the Gaza war. It found that 56% of respondents disapprove of his policies related to the conflict, while just 31% support them. Trump, who has continued to publicly back Israel’s military actions and recently called for increased arms shipments to the country, appears to have lost favor with a segment of the electorate more critical of foreign military interventions.
Decline in Support for U.S. Military Aid to Israel
The survey further revealed a stark drop in support for U.S. military aid to Israel. Only 32% of Americans now support providing additional military assistance, while 60% are opposed. Opposition is particularly strong among Democrats and political independents, indicating that bipartisan consensus on aid to Israel is fracturing.
The findings come amid ongoing scrutiny of U.S. military assistance. Under a 10-year memorandum of understanding signed during President Barack Obama’s administration, the United States provides Israel with $3.8 billion annually in security aid. Documents cited by Haaretz in July revealed that hundreds of millions of dollars have already been disbursed to support Israel’s military operations since the start of the Gaza war.
A Shift in American Political Culture
The Quinnipiac poll reflects a broader realignment in American political culture regarding Israel. Once a cornerstone of bipartisan consensus, support for Israel is now becoming a deeply polarizing issue, especially as graphic images of civilian casualties in Gaza continue to circulate widely on social media and influence public discourse.
Younger generations, in particular, are leading the charge in challenging the U.S.–Israel alliance. The use of the term “genocide” by a significant portion of the population would have been unthinkable in mainstream American polling just a few years ago. Analysts say this signals a tectonic shift in how Americans view not only Israel but also the role their own country plays in foreign conflicts.
“The idea that Israel could lose the moral high ground in American public opinion was once unimaginable,” said Dr. Leila Haddad, a political scientist at Georgetown University. “This poll shows that moment has arrived and it’s likely irreversible unless something dramatically changes.”
Survey Methodology
The poll was conducted between September 18 and 21, 2025, and surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,276 adults across the United States. The margin of error is approximately ±3.2%.
As the humanitarian toll of the Gaza conflict continues to rise, and with the United States entering an election year, the political consequences of this shift in public opinion may soon be felt not just in polling data but at the ballot box.
