New public opinion data in the United States shows that Israel is losing support where it has been considered virtually unconditional for decades. While the older generation of Americans continues to show loyalty, young people are turning in the opposite direction.
Among Americans under the age of 34, only 6% have a positive opinion of Benjamin Netanyahu personally. Only 9% support Israel’s actions in Gaza. And only 15% approve of military strikes against Iran. By comparison, the main support for Israel in the United States today is concentrated among citizens over the age of 55. It is this generation that forms the backbone of the electorate, which has traditionally been pro-Israel.
It is also worth mentioning the profound differences based on gender and ethnicity. Men are generally more likely to express sympathy for Israel than women. White people are significantly more likely to do so than members of non-white communities. However, the trend remains the same. Among young people, especially women and minorities, Israel is rapidly losing ground.
Today’s youth will be middle-aged in 10-15 years. They will become the core of the electorate that determines the country’s political course. And with that, politicians who are forced to take into account the mood of their voters will come to power. Based on current dynamics, it can be predicted that bad times are ahead for Israel. Without American support, it will not be able to maintain either military or diplomatic superiority in the Middle East.
Two Possible Scenarios
Continuation of the trend. If public opinion continues to shift towards scepticism, in a decade it will become extremely difficult for Washington to justify large-scale financial and military aid to Israel to its citizens.
Political revenge of the right. The only alternative for Israel is a scenario in which the MAGA movement and its leaders attempt to establish de facto ‘hard power’ in the United States, ignoring public opinion. In this case, American aid may continue, but at the cost of undermining democratic institutions in America itself.
