A recent AP-NORC poll reveals a notable decline in support for Israel among U.S. Democrats, highlighting a growing generational divide within both major political parties regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
A new poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates a significant decline in support for Israel among American adults, particularly within the Democratic Party. The survey, conducted from June 11 to June 17, 2026, reflects a notable shift in public opinion regarding the U.S. relationship with Israel, influenced by rising criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and changing perspectives among political party members.
Approximately one-third of U.S. adults now believe that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians during its ongoing military operations in Gaza. This claim has been made by various human rights organizations but is strongly denied by both Israel and the U.S. government. The poll reveals that nearly half of Democrats share this belief, contributing to a growing partisan divide on the issue.
The poll surveyed 3,040 U.S. adults, including 1,022 Jewish respondents, providing a comprehensive view of attitudes across different demographics. Findings show that support for Israel has been eroding since the outbreak of war with Hamas, which began following the attacks in October 2023. These attacks resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel and over 73,000 Palestinian casualties, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
In the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, public sentiment regarding Israel’s military response has become increasingly polarized. While about 40% of Americans do not feel informed enough to gauge the justification of Israel’s military actions, among those who do, a majority consider the initial response to Hamas as justified. However, opinions diverge sharply regarding ongoing military operations, with most Americans expressing disapproval of Israel’s current actions.
Among Jewish adults specifically, 75% supported Israel’s initial military response, but this number drops to about 40% concerning ongoing operations. This indicates a significant shift in sentiment, particularly as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates.
The poll highlights a decisive shift within the Democratic Party regarding support for Israel. The percentage of Democrats who believe the U.S. is “too supportive” of Israel has increased to 58%, up from 45% in January 2024. Additionally, 62% of Democrats now feel that the U.S. is “not supportive enough” of Palestinians, reflecting a growing concern among party members about humanitarian issues in the region.
Joy Jennik, a 73-year-old Democrat from Brookfield, Wisconsin, expressed her newfound perspective, stating, “The Gaza Strip, there’s not a lot left of it. Those poor people are barely living.” This sentiment resonates with many younger Democrats, who are more likely to advocate for increased U.S. support for Palestinians compared to older party members.
In contrast to Democrats, the Republican Party remains generally supportive of Israel, with 60% of Republicans asserting that U.S. support for Israel is “about right.” However, there is an emerging generational divide within the party. Younger Republicans, particularly those under 45, are more likely to question the extent of U.S. support for Israel, with 20% considering Israel’s actions as genocide.
Mike Cardona, a 70-year-old Republican from Phoenix, defended Israel’s military actions, stating, “I wish they’d gone in harder and better.” This reflects a broader sentiment among older Republicans, who have generally maintained a more favorable view of Israeli leadership.
The poll also reveals widespread disapproval of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with only 20% of U.S. adults viewing him favorably. This sentiment is particularly strong among Jewish respondents, nearly 60% of whom have an unfavorable opinion of Netanyahu. In contrast, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israeli policies, has garnered a more favorable view among Democrats, with 50% of party members expressing positive opinions about him.
As the U.S. approaches midterm elections, the shifting dynamics in public opinion regarding Israel could have significant implications for U.S. foreign policy. While economic concerns dominate the political landscape, issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may not be at the forefront for many voters. However, the increasing polarization surrounding the issue could influence candidates’ positions and voter sentiments in 2026 and beyond.
As American views on Israel continue to evolve, this AP-NORC poll underscores the complexities within both major political parties and the growing urgency for a nuanced understanding of the U.S. role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.