53% of Americans View Israel Unfavorably, Pew Poll Reveals

A Pew Research poll conducted from March 24-30, 2025, just before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington on April 7, reveals a significant shift in American attitudes toward Israel.

With 53% of U.S. adults now expressing unfavorable views — up from 42% in March 2022 — the data reflects mounting criticism of Israel’s war crimes in Gaza.

Political Divides Deepen

The poll highlights a stark partisan divide.

Among Democrats, 69% view Israel unfavorably, a 16-point increase since 2022, signaling strong disapproval of its policies.

Republicans, traditionally more supportive, are not immune, with 37% now critical, up 10 points.

Younger Republicans under 50 are particularly disillusioned, with 50% expressing negative views, a shift possibly influenced by alternative conservative voices questioning U.S. support for Israel.

Religious and Generational Perspectives

Religious affiliations shape diverse responses.

Muslim Americans overwhelmingly disapprove of Israel, as do 69% of the religiously unaffiliated.

White Protestants (50%) and Catholics (53%) also lean unfavorable, marking a departure from historical trends.

Jewish Americans (73%) and White evangelicals (72%) remain supportive, though 53% of Jewish respondents lack confidence in Netanyahu’s leadership.

Across all groups, younger Americans exhibit greater skepticism, pointing to a generational divide.

Waning Hope for Peace, Rejection of Control

Belief in a two-state solution has declined, with only 46% of Americans seeing a path to coexistence, down from 52% in 2023.

Democrats (56%) are more optimistic than Republicans (36%), and younger adults show greater faith than their elders. Meanwhile, President Trump’s suggestion of U.S. control over Gaza faces broad rejection — 62% oppose it, including 49% strongly, reflecting reluctance to deepen involvement in the conflict.

Leadership and Relevance in Question

Netanyahu’s credibility is faltering, with 52% of Americans expressing little confidence in his global leadership.

The Gaza conflict’s personal significance has also waned, with 54% now deeming it important, down from 65% in January 2024.

As Pew’s Laura Silver notes, “The public’s views of Israel have turned more negative over the past three years,” signaling a critical moment as allegations of genocide in Gaza reshape American perspectives on a long-standing ally.