Americans' Sympathies for Israelis Hit Record Low, Poll Reveals

Americans' support for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas has plunged to historic lows, according to a new poll by Gallup. At the same time, sympathy for Palestinians is on the rise, signaling a seismic shift in public opinion over the decades-long Middle East conflict.

In the survey conducted from February 3-16, Gallup asked Americans, "In the Middle East situation, are your sympathies more with the Israelis or more with the Palestinians?" The results revealed that fewer than half of respondents, just 46%, expressed sympathy for Israelis. This marks the lowest level of support recorded in the past 25 years of the poll's history. For comparison, the previous low of 51% occurred in both 2024 and 2001.

On the flip side, support for Palestinians has climbed to unprecedented levels. The poll found that 33% of Americans now sympathize with Palestinians, a jump of six percentage points compared to last year. This is the highest level of support for Palestinians recorded in more than two decades.

The survey took place during the first phase of the temporary ceasefire and hostage exchanges between Israel and Hamas. Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with the Trump administration actively working to negotiate the release of five American hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza. Sadly, most of the over 250 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks are feared dead.

Adding another layer to the findings, the poll uncovered a stark partisan divide in Americans' views toward Israel. While 83% of Republicans expressed favorable views of Israel, only 48% of Independents and a mere 33% of Democrats shared the same sentiment. This divide underscores how political affiliation significantly shapes perspectives on the conflict.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's handling of the war has also drawn mixed reviews. According to the poll, 40% of Americans approve of his approach, while 51% disapprove, and 9% remain undecided. Trump has publicly demanded the immediate release of hostages by Hamas, but negotiations remain fraught with challenges.

The shifting tides of public opinion reflected in this poll may have far-reaching implications, not only for U.S. foreign policy but also for the broader dynamics of international relations in the Middle East. As Americans reassess their sympathies, it remains to be seen how these trends will influence policymaking and diplomatic efforts going forward.