For the first time in 25 years, less than half of Americans express sympathy toward Israelis, a recent Gallup poll has revealed. In a significant shift in American public sentiment regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, support for Palestinians has reached its highest level since Gallup began tracking this issue. The findings indicate a transformation in public attitudes, shaped by recent geopolitical events, access to a wide array of news outlets, and generational divides.
Sympathy for Israelis Falls Below 50%
According to the Gallup poll conducted between February 1 and 20, 2025, only 46% of Americans now say they sympathize more with Israelis than Palestinians. This marks a notable decline from 2023, when 52% expressed greater sympathy for Israel. The last time American support for Israelis dipped this low was in 2000, at the peak of the Second Intifada. The drop in support comes amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in Palestine, rising civilian casualties, and a growing international debate over its policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In contrast, the percentage of Americans who sympathize more with Palestinians has increased to 33%, an all-time high in Gallup’s polling history. This represents a six-point increase from last year, highlighting a gradual but steady trend in shifting perspectives.
Partisan Divides Deepen
The survey underscores a stark partisan divide in views on the conflict. Among Republicans, 78% express greater sympathy for Israelis, reflecting their long-standing support for Israel’s right-wing government and military policies. In contrast, Democratic voters are nearly evenly split, with 33% favoring Israelis and 45% siding with Palestinians. The latter figure marks a dramatic shift from just a decade ago when a majority of Democrats expressed more sympathy toward Israel than Palestine.
Independents, often seen as a bellwether of national opinion, show the most balanced perspective, with 41% sympathizing with Israelis and 36% with Palestinians. This shift indicates that broader American public opinion is becoming more critical of Israel’s policies, particularly among younger and more diverse voter demographics.
The Role of Recent Events
The decline in sympathy for Israel can be partially attributed to recent events, including the ongoing war in Gaza following Hamas’s October 2023 attack and Israel’s subsequent military operations throughout the following year, leading up to the ceasefire, which has since been breached by Israel’s halting of humanitarian aid and multiple reports of attacks. The civilian toll in Gaza, widespread claims of human rights violations, and the Trump administration’s approach to the conflict have influenced public perception. Humanitarian concerns and global criticism of Israel’s handling of the crisis have been widely covered in media outlets, contributing to shifting attitudes.
Additionally, the debate surrounding U.S. military aid to Israel has intensified. A growing segment of the American public, particularly progressives, is questioning the extent of Washington’s financial and diplomatic support for Israel. Calls for conditioning military aid and demands for greater accountability in Israel’s use of American-supplied weapons have gained traction in political discourse.
Generational and Demographic Shifts
One of the most significant factors in this shift is the changing demographic landscape in the United States. Younger Americans, especially those under 35, are increasingly sympathetic to Palestinians, with many viewing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the lens of social justice and human rights. The rise of social media activism and independent journalism has played a crucial role in shaping these perspectives, providing access to firsthand accounts from Palestinians that challenge mainstream narratives.
Minority communities, particularly African-American and Latino voters, have also demonstrated growing support for Palestinians. Many draw parallels between their own struggles against systemic injustice and the Palestinian cause. This perspective aligns with broader trends in progressive politics, where solidarity with marginalized groups has become a defining feature of political activism.
Support for a Two-State Solution
A majority of Americans (55%) support a two-state solution as the best path toward resolving the conflict. However, confidence in the feasibility of such a solution has declined. Many respondents express skepticism over whether Israeli and Palestinian leadership can reach a lasting peace agreement. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the weakening of the Palestinian Authority have further complicated the prospects for a negotiated resolution.
A Final Note: Implications on U.S. Policy
The evolving public sentiment on Israel and Palestine has significant implications for U.S. foreign policy. With Donald Trump now back in the White House, his administration has reaffirmed strong support for Israel, continuing U.S. military aid and backing the Israeli government’s security operations.
However, growing divisions within the American public may create new challenges for the administration’s Middle East policy. While Republican leadership remains firmly pro-Israel, increasing criticism from Democratic lawmakers and progressive activists could push for policy changes, particularly regarding aid conditions and diplomatic engagement.
Whether these shifting public opinions translate into tangible policy adjustments remains uncertain, but they reflect a significant change in public awareness regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
