As the conflict between Israel and Hamas enters its third year, public opinions in the United States are shifting significantly. A recent survey by Cygnal shows that views on Israel and Palestinians are changing, particularly among younger Americans.
Historically, Israel has enjoyed strong support across political lines in the U.S. However, that support is waning. Currently, only 41% of American voters view Israel favorably, while nearly 44% have an unfavorable opinion. The situation is even more striking among younger voters aged 18 to 44, where Israel’s favorability plummets to a net negative of -31. In contrast, voters over the age of 55 have a more positive view, with a net favorability of +14.
This shift in opinion comes amid two years of protests against Israel, especially on college campuses and in liberal cities. Interestingly, while support for Israel is declining, it hasn’t led to a surge in positive views toward Palestinians. In fact, 45% of Americans have an unfavorable opinion of Palestinians, with only 31% viewing them favorably. This sentiment is particularly strong among older voters and Republicans, with 60% of those over 55 and 64% of Republicans expressing negative views.
When it comes to Hamas, the U.S. public is largely united in disapproval. About 75% of likely voters have a negative opinion of the group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Only 6% of voters view Hamas favorably, translating to around 20 million Americans. This number is alarming, reflecting a troubling trend toward extreme ideological views.
Most Republicans, along with some Democrats, support Israel’s military efforts against Hamas to prevent future attacks and to secure the release of hostages. However, voices on the far Left criticize Israel for its actions in Gaza, accusing it of genocide. Some on the Right also express concerns that Israel might pull the U.S. into another conflict.
A recent Cygnal survey conducted shortly after the October 7 attacks by Hamas revealed that 47% of American voters were worried about pro-Palestinian protests in the U.S. Meanwhile, 38% were indifferent, and 15% supported those protests. This suggests a growing acceptance of pro-Palestinian sentiments, even in the wake of violent attacks on Israel.
Charlie Kirk has highlighted these trends, warning that a battle over public perception is underway, especially on social media. He believes this shift has reached conservative circles as well.
The challenge for Israel now is to rebuild its image, especially among younger Americans. President Trump’s recent diplomatic efforts could play a crucial role in this. Maintaining bipartisan support for Israel is vital, not just for Israel’s interests, but for the U.S. as well. Public opinion is a key factor in shaping foreign policy, and ignoring these trends could have serious consequences for both nations.
Alex Tarascio, a principal and pollster at Cygnal, and Or Yissachar, executive director of the David Institute for Security Policy, stress the importance of addressing these changing sentiments.
