In recent years, negative perceptions of Israel among Americans have increased significantly, particularly among Democratic and independent voters. According to a new national survey, these shifts in public opinion indicate a rising trend of scepticism and criticism toward Israel. Fox News has highlighted that changing attitudes among these voter groups are largely responsible for this transformation.
The survey, conducted by NBC News between 27 February and 2 March, comes at a time when the ongoing two-year military campaign in Gaza under Prime Minister Netanyahu has made support for Israel a highly contentious issue among Democrats.
Public Opinion Trends
The survey found that only 32 percent of Americans currently hold a favourable view of Israel, while 39 percent express negative opinions. This represents a major shift from three years ago, when 47 percent viewed Israel positively and 34 percent negatively.
| Voter Group | Positive View 2023 (%) | Negative View 2023 (%) | Positive View 2026 (%) | Negative View 2026 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | 34 | 35 | 13 | 57 |
| Independent | 40 | 22 | 21 | 48 |
| Republican | 63 | 12 | 54 | 18 |
Among Democrats, positive perceptions have plummeted from 34 percent to just 13 percent, with 57 percent now expressing negative views. Independent voters show a similar pattern, with positive opinions falling from 40 percent to 21 percent and negative opinions rising from 22 percent to 48 percent. In contrast, Republican support has declined only slightly, with positive views dropping from 63 percent to 54 percent and negative views increasing modestly from 12 percent to 18 percent.
Sympathy Towards Israelis and Palestinians
The survey also examined sympathy towards Israelis and Palestinians, revealing a near-even split among Americans. In 2013, 45 percent expressed sympathy for Israelis, while only 13 percent sympathised with Palestinians. Today, 40 percent show sympathy for Israel and 39 percent for Palestinians.
| Voter Group | Israel 2013 (%) | Palestine 2013 (%) | Israel 2026 (%) | Palestine 2026 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | 34 | 18 | 17 | 67 |
| Independent | 37 | 10 | 27 | 37 |
| Republican | 67 | 8 | 69 | 13 |
| Overall | 45 | 13 | 40 | 39 |
Democratic voters have shown the most dramatic shift, with 67 percent now expressing sympathy for Palestinians, compared to just 17 percent for Israel. Independents have also moved towards greater Palestinian sympathy, while Republicans continue to maintain strong support for Israel.
Generational Differences and Political Implications
The survey highlights generational differences, with younger Americans exhibiting the sharpest declines in positive views and sympathy towards Israel. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified divisions among Democrats and is emerging as a key issue ahead of the 2026 primary elections.
According to Palestinian health authorities, over the past two and a half years, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in more than 72,000 deaths. This humanitarian impact has contributed to changing perceptions among Americans, particularly among younger and independent voters.
Overall, the survey reveals a significant shift in American public opinion, highlighting rising anti-Israel sentiment, partisan and generational divides, and the political implications of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.