NEW YORK: Public opinion in the United States is undergoing a significant shift, with growing sympathy for Palestinians and declining favourable views of Israel, according to a new national survey.
The poll, conducted by NBC News between February 27 and March 2, indicates that only 32% of Americans now hold a positive opinion of Israel, while 39% view it negatively.
This marks a notable reversal from three years ago, when 47% expressed favourable views and 34% held negative perceptions. The changing sentiment appears to be largely driven by Democrats and independent voters.
Among Democrats, opinions have shifted dramatically. While views were nearly evenly split in 2023, the latest data shows just 13% now view Israel positively, compared to 57% who hold negative views.
Independent voters have also shown a similar trend. Positive perceptions of Israel have declined to 21%, while negative views have risen to 48%, reflecting a clear deterioration in support.
In contrast, Republican attitudes towards Israel remain comparatively stable. Although favourable views have dipped slightly from 63% to 54%, the majority of Republican respondents continue to support Israel, with only a modest increase in negative opinions.
The survey also highlights a broader shift in emotional alignment. Americans are now almost evenly divided in their sympathies, with 40% saying they feel closer to Israelis and 39% to Palestinians — a stark change from 2013, when support for Israel outweighed that for Palestinians by a wide margin.
Among Democrats, this shift is especially pronounced. The latest findings show that 67% now express greater sympathy for Palestinians, compared to just 17% for Israel — a complete reversal from a decade ago. Independents have followed a similar trajectory, now leaning more towards Palestinians than Israelis.
Republicans, however, continue to express strong backing for Israel, maintaining a consistent preference over the years.
The survey also points to a generational divide, with younger Americans significantly more critical of Israel and more sympathetic to Palestinians than older age groups.
The findings come amid the ongoing war in Gaza, where, according to health authorities in the territory, more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023.
The war has also intensified political divisions within the United States, particularly among Democrats, where the issue has become increasingly prominent in internal debates and ahead of the 2026 primary elections.
Overall, the survey underscores a shifting landscape in American public opinion, with implications for US foreign policy and domestic political discourse in the years ahead.
