Just 8% of Democrats and 25% of independents now back Israel’s campaign in Gaza, compared to 71% of Republicans, marking the largest partisan divide Gallup has recorded on the issue.

Public support in the US for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has fallen to its lowest point since the war began nearly two years ago, with just 32% of Americans approving of Israel’s actions and 60% now expressing disapproval, according to a new Gallup poll.

The 10-point drop from last September’s numbers reflects a broad shift in public opinion, particularly among Democrats and independents, whose support has declined by 16 points each. Just 8% of Democrats and 25% of independents now back the Gaza campaign, compared to 71% of Republicans. The result is the largest partisan divide Gallup has recorded on the issue.

The poll, conducted from July 7–21, comes amid mounting international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, where aid restrictions have led to widespread starvation and raised alarm among humanitarian groups. That growing urgency appears to be reflected in American public opinion, which has turned sharply against the ongoing military operation.

It also coincided with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's fifth visit to Washington since the war began. While he met with President Trump and Republican leaders, no ceasefire deal was reached. His visit did little to improve his standing with the American public. Fifty-two percent now view Netanyahu unfavourably — his worst rating in Gallup’s tracking — while just 29% view him favourably.

Support for Netanyahu remains sharply divided by party: 67% of Republicans hold a favourable view of him, compared to just 9% of Democrats and 19% of independents.

Support for Israel's military action in Iran, where it has targeted suspected nuclear sites, remains slightly higher at 38%, though a majority of Americans — 54% — still disapprove.

The data reflects not only growing public scepticism about Israel’s conduct in Gaza but also a deepening partisan polarisation over its leadership and military strategy. For US policymakers, the findings signal mounting pressure from voters as the war grinds on with no clear end in sight.

In March, another Gallup poll revealed a record shift in Democratic sympathies: 59% of Democrats said they sympathise more with Palestinians — a 16-point jump in a single year — while support for Israel fell to 21%, a 14-point drop.

The poll also found that a record-high 76% of Democrats support the establishment of a Palestinian state. Among Republicans, support rose to 41%, up from last year’s record low of 26%, returning to near pre-October 7 levels.

Republished from Haaretz, 26 July 2025

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