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American Public Opinion Polls: Regarding U.S. Middle East Policy

(1967 - Present)

Note: We are presenting raw data. We provide some or all of the crosstabs (i.e., breakdowns by various categories such as party ID) when available. To analyze the data, we encourage users to read the entire study and the methodology used. Results and reliability can be affected by sample size, question wording, and question order. Context and timing may also influence responses, for example, if the survey is conducted during a war.


See also: American Views on Palestinian Statehood

What would you say are the most important issues facing the country today? Please select three. (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023, July 26-28, 2024)

  2023 July 2024
Immigration

27%

33%
Price increases/inflation   37%
Economy and jobs 24% 27%
Guns 18% 15%
Crime and drugs 17% 16%
Terrorism / national security 16% 11%
National debt / federal budget deficits 15% 12%
Health care 15% 17%
Environment/climate change 15% 13%
Israeli-Hamas conflict 12% 5%

In your opinion, is the United States playing a very positive, somewhat positive, somewhat negative, or very negative role in resolving key problems facing the Middle East? (Chicago Council, June 21-July 1, 2024)

  2015 2024
Positive   61%
Negative   69%

Do you favor or oppose the United States: (Chicago Council, June 21-July 1, 2024)

Supporting Israel militarily until the hostages are returned 60%
Officially recognizing a Palestinian state 50%
Supporting Israel militarily until Hamas is dismantled or destroyed 49%
Playing a leading role in the reconstruction of Gaza 37%

Do you think the United States is providing too much, not enough or the right amount of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza? (Chicago Council, June 21-July 1, 2024)

Not enough 30%
Right amount 25%
Too much 16%
Not sure 28%

There has been some discussion about the circumstances that might justify using U.S. troops in other parts of the world. Please give your opinion about some situations. Would you favor or oppose the use of U.S. troops: If Israel were attacked by its neighbors (% favor) (Chicago Council Surveys, June 21-July 1, 2024)

  2010 2012 2014 2015 2018 2021 2024
Republican
60%
64%
52%
67%
69%
72%
55%
Democrat
41%
44%
41%
49%
45%
41%
35%
Independent
41%
42%
44%
46%
50%
49%
35%
Total
47%
49%
45%
53%
53%
53%
41%

Which country do you consider to be the biggest national security threat to the United States? (McLaughlin & Associates, May 21-23, 2024)

China 45%
Russia 30%
North Korea 12%
Iran 8%

What impact, if any, have the recent protests on American college campuses had on how much sympathy you have for the Palestinians in Gaza? (FIRE/NORC, May 17-19, 2024)

The protests have made me sympathize more with the Palestinians 16%
The protests have made me sympathize less with the Palestinians. 17%
The protests have had no impact on my sympathy for the Palestinians 63%

Do you think the United States is too supportive of Israel, not supportive enough, or is the support about right? (Fox News, May 10-13, 2024)

 

Nov. 2023

Dec. 2023 Feb. 2024 May 2024
Too supportive

30%

30% 30% 32%
Not supportive enough

21%

27% 27% 30%
About right

45%

38% 38% 33%

Do you think Biden's policy toward Israel is being directed just by what's best for U.S. National interest in a safe and secure Israel or also by the perceived domestic politics for his re-election and threats from the Democratic base? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, April 24-25, 2024)

  Apr. 24
Only U.S. national interest in Israel 52%
Also by Domestic politics 48%

Do you support or oppose formally inviting Israel to join NATO? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, April 24-25, 2024)

  2024
Support 66%
Oppose 34%

Should the United States push NATO to consider inviting Israel into the alliance to deter from further attacks by Iran? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, April 24-25, 2024)

  2024
Yes 60%
No 40%

Do you have confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? (Pew, April 1-7, 2024)

 

2023

2024

None at all 17% 25%
Not much 25% 27%
Some 24% 21%
A lot 8% 9%
Never heard of 26% 15%

Do you hold a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? (Grinnell College, March 11-17, 2024)

 

Favorable

Unfavorable

2024 31% 34%

Do you consider yourself pro-Israel or anti-Israel? (Schoen Cooperman Research, March 2024)

 

Adults

College Students

Pro-Israel 42% 23%
Anti-Israel 13% 33%
Neither 32% 30%
Not Sure 13% 14%

Would you say your sympathies lie ... (Pew, Feb. 13-25, 2024).

  2024
Entirely with the Israeli people 11%
Mostly with the Israeli people but also somewhat with the Palestinian people 20%
Mostly with the Palestinian people but also somewhat with the Israeli people 11%
Entirely with the Palestinian people 5%
Equally with both of them 26%
With neither of them 8%
Not sure/No answer 19%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am going to read you a list of possible threats to the vital interests of the United States in the next 10 years.  For each one, please tell me if you see this as a critical threat, an important but not critical threat, or not an important threat at all.

The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. (Gallup, February 1-20, 2024)

  % Critical % Important % Not important
2024 52 38 8
2022 35 50 13
2021 32 54 12
2019 34 49 14
2018 36 48 14
2016 45 41 9
2015 47 41 8
2014 46 42 9
2013 44 44 9
2010 47 41 10
2004 58 32 8

Do you think the United States supports Israel too much, about the right amount, or too little? (Gallup, December 1-20, 2023)

  2001 2002 2003 2006 2023
Too much 31% 43% 32% 38%

36%

Right amount 51% 40% 48% 44%

38%

Too Little 10% 10% 12% 11% 24%

Do you hold a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? (Gallup, April 17-30, 2019. December 1-20, 2023)

 

Favorable

Unfavorable

2023*** 33% 47%
2019

40%

27%

2018

37%

29%

2017

49%

30%

March 5-8, 2015*

38%

29%

February 8-11, 2015**

45%

24%

2012

35%

23%

May 7-9, 1999

34%

20%

February 1999

46%

20%

December 28-29 1998

46%

20%

December 4-6, 1998

35%

22%

1997

28%

23%

*After his controversial speech before Congress opposing the Iran nuclear deal.
**Before speech opposing the Iran deal.
***After Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023.

Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way Joe Biden is handling the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians? (AP/NORC, November 30-December 4, 2023)

  June 2021 August 2023 November 2023 December 2023
Approve 40% 35% 34%

37%

Disapprove 56% 61% 63% 61%

Thinking about the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians, do you think the United States is too supportive, not supportive enough or about right in its support? (AP-NORC, June 10-14, 2021, August 10-14, 2023, November 30-December 4, 2023)

 

2021

Aug 2023 November 2023 December 2023
 
Israel
Palestinians
Israel Palestinians Israel Palestinians Israel Palestinians
Too supportive

29%

25%

27% 30% 34% 27% 32% 29%
About right

36%

37%

44% 42% 43% 35% 39% 37%
Not supportive enough

30%

32%

23% 21% 20% 33% 35% 31%

Do you think Joe Biden is…  (Pew, November 27-December 3, 2023)

  2022 2023
Favoring the Israelis too much 

8%

21%
Favoring the Palestinians too much 13% 16%
Striking about the right balance  16% 25%
Not Sure 62% 38%

Now, thinking about the future, and not just the current conflict…Do you think a way can be found for Israel and an independent Palestinian state to coexist peacefully with each other? (Pew, November 27-December 3, 2023)

  2020 2023
Yes, can coexist peacefully

55%

52%
No, cannot coexist peacefully  41% 45%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Joe Biden is handling ... the situation in the Middle East between the Israelis and the Palestinians? (Gallup, November 1-21, 2023)

Approve

32%

Thinking about the relationship between the United States and Israel, do you think the U.S. is too supportive of Israel, not supportive enough of Israel, or is the U.S. support of Israel about right? (Quinnipiac, March 21-25, 2019October 12 – 16, 2023, November 9-13, 2023)

  2019 2021 Oct. 2023 Nov. 2023
Too supportive

24%

28% 21% 28%
Not supportive enough

14%

24% 19% 18%
About right

47%

34% 49% 47%
Unsure/No answer

16%

14% 11% 7%

 Which comes closer to your line of thinking: supporting Israel is in the national interest of the United States or supporting Israel is not in the national interest of the United States? (Quinnipiac, March 21-25, 2019October 12 – 16, 2023, November 9-13, 2023)

  Oct. 2023 Nov. 2023
In interest 73% 70%
Not in interest 18% 22%
Unsure/No answer 9% 8%

Is Israel the homeland for the Jewish people? (harrisx for Jewish Federations of North America and Conference of Presidents, November 13, 2023)

Yes

82%

No

18%

How would you describe the Biden administration’s policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian issue? (University of Maryland, October 20-22, 2023)

  2023
Too pro-Israeli

19%

Too pro-Palestinian

11%

About right 28%
DK 40%

If the U.S. presidential elections were held today, would you be more likely or less likely to vote for President Biden based on his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian issue? (University of Maryland, October 20-22, 2023)

  2023
More likely

14%

Less likely

31%

Neither more nor less likely 53%

Do you think that the land on Israel is historically the homeland of the Jewish people or the homeland of the Palestinian people? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Homeland of the Jewish people

76%

Homeland of the Palestinian people 24%

Does the United States have a responsibility to militarily support Israel when the country and population is under attack by terrorist groups or not? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Has a responsibility

60%

Should stay out of a potential conflict 40%

Does the United States have a responsibility to bring to safety over a dozen Americans abducted by Hamas terrorists or should it stay out of a potential middle east conflict? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Has a responsibility

71%

Should stay out of a potential conflict 29%

Does the United States have a responsibility to retaliate against Hamas given over 20 Americans were killed in the terror attacks the organization launched, or should it stay out of a potential middle east conflict? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Has a responsibility

64%

Does not 36%

Do you strongly approve, somewhat approve, somewhat disapprove or strongly disapprove of Joe Biden's Israel policy? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Approve

58%

Disapprove 42%

Thinking about U.S. policies toward the Middle East, how important a goal should it be to protect Israel? (The Economist/YouGov, October 14-17, 2023)

Very important

42%

Somewhat important

29%

Not too important 7%
Not at all important 6%
Not sure 16%

Do you consider the countries listed below to be a friend or an enemy of the United States? [Palestine]  (The Economist/YouGov, October 14-17, 2023)

  2022
Ally 3%
Friendly 9%
Unfriendly 27%
Enemy 29%
Not Sure 33%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you consider the countries listed below to be a friend or an enemy of the United States? [Iran]  (The Economist/YouGov, October 14-17, 2023)

  2022
Ally 1%
Friendly 5%
Unfriendly 19%
Enemy 56%
Not Sure 19%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you consider the countries listed below to be a friend or an enemy of the United States? [Qatar]  (The Economist/YouGov, October 14-17, 2023)

  2022
Ally 7%
Friendly 22%
Unfriendly 11%
Enemy 43%
Not Sure 19%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you consider the countries listed below to be a friend or an enemy of the United States? [Saudi Arabia]  (The Economist/YouGov, October 14-17, 2023)

  2022
Ally 7%
Friendly 21%
Unfriendly 26%
Enemy 16%
Not Sure 31%

 

 

 

 

 

 

T

 

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Joe Biden is handling - the nation's policy toward Israel? (Quinnipiac, October 12 – 16, 2023)

  2023
Approve 42%
Disapprove 39%
DK/NA 19%

Which comes closer to your line of thinking: supporting Israel is in the national interest of the United States or supporting Israel is not in the national interest of the United States? (Quinnipiac, October 12 – 16, 2023)

  2023
In U.S. interest 76%
Not in U.S. interest 17%
DK/NA 7%

Does U.S. support for Israel make the Middle East: ( NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll, October 11, 2023)

  2023
Safer

53%

More dangerous

41%

Not sure 6%

There are currently over 30,000 U.S. soldiers stationed in the Middle East. Do you think this number should increase, stay the same, or decrease?  (Harris for Quincy Institute, August 29-31, 2023)

Increase

11%

Stay the same

49%

Decrease

39%

How much would you support or oppose a deal between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, in which Saudi Arabia would establish diplomatic relations with Israel in exchange for the U.S. committing American soldiers to defend Saudi Arabia in the event of a war?  (Harris for Quincy Institute, August 29-31, 2023)

Strongly/Somewhat Support

45%

Strongly/Somewhat Oppose

55%

The United States is currently pursuing a deal with Saudi Arabia which would normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. As part of the agreement, the U.S. is reportedly considering offering Saudi Arabia a defense pact in which U.S. soldiers would defend them in the event of war, and the U.S. would provide them with more arms sales and nuclear technology, which could be used for the development of nuclear weapons.
Some say this deal is worthwhile if it means Saudi Arabia and Israel establish diplomatic relations, and Saudi Arabia draws closer to the U.S. than to China. While others say the U.S. military
should not engage in more Middle East wars, and that U.S. soldiers should not be deployed to defend the authoritarian regime in Saudi Arabia. Which of the following most closely aligns with your view on this deal?
  (Harris for Quincy Institute, August 29-31, 2023)

This is a bad deal

58%

This is a good deal

42%

How persuasive do you find each of the following arguments in support of a deal between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia which would commit U.S. soldiers to defend Saudi Arabia?  (Harris for Quincy Institute, August 29-31, 2023)

Very/Somewhat Persuasive  
It would prohibit China from building military bases in Saudi Arabia.

69%

It would give the U.S. an edge against China in the competition for influence in the Middle East.

67%

Israel and Saudi Arabia would work together to counter Iran’s power in the region. 64%
Saudi Arabia would stop driving up oil prices. 64%
Establishing diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel would improve Israeli security. 61%

How persuasive do you find each of the following arguments in opposition of a deal between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia which would commit U.S. soldiers to defend Saudi Arabia?  (Harris for Quincy Institute, August 29-31, 2023)

Very/Somewhat Persuasive  
Saudi Arabia has a long record of human rights abuses of their own people and as well as abroad (i.e., outside their country).

71%

Saudi Arabia beheaded a Washington Post columnist and therefore should not be rewarded with U.S. defense support.

69%

The 9/11 terrorist attacks were perpetrated by 15 Saudi nationals and the U.S. should not reward that country with a defense pact. 64%
It would increase the likelihood of U.S. soldiers having to fight in the Middle East. 66%
It could help Saudi Arabia obtain nuclear weapons technology. 59%
It would shut Palestinians out of the process of determining their own future. 55%

Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way Joe Biden is handling the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians? (AP-NORC, August 10-14, 2023)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total 2021

2023
Approve
20%
28%
61%
40%
35%
Disapprove
75%
64%
35%
56%
61%

Thinking about the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians, do you think the United States is too supportive, not supportive enough or about right in its support? (AP-NORC, June 10-14, 2021)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

 
Israel
Palestinians
Israel
Palestinians
Israel
Palestinians
Israel
Palestinians
Too supportive 17%

42%

31%

28%

39%

8%

29%

25%

About right 29%

36%

29%

37%

41%

38%

36%

37%

Not supportive enough 49%

16%

33%

23%

17%

51%

30%

32%

Please rate your feelings toward some countries and peoples, with one hundred meaning a very warm, favorable feeling, zero meaning a very cold, unfavorable feeling, and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. You can use any number from zero to one hundred, the higher the number the more favorable your feelings are toward that country or those people. (mean) (Chicago Council Surveys, June 2-19, 2020)

Country

 

Canada

81%

Great Britain

74%

Mexico

61%

South Korea

60%

Israel

58%

India

55%

Israel (%) (Gallup, The Israel Project)

 

Very favorable

Mostly favorable

Mostly Unfavorable

Very Unfavorable

No Opinion

Total Favorable

Total Unfavorable

Avg All Polls

18

44

21

8

9

62

29

2016 Feb

30

41

16

8

5

71

24

2015 Feb

29

41

17

7

6

70

24

2014 Feb

26

46

16

7

5

72

23

2013 Feb

25

41

21

8

5

66

29

2012 Feb  

29

42

17

7

4

71

24

2011 Feb  

24

44

20

7

6

68

27

2010 Feb

22

45

19

6

8

67

25

2009 Feb

21

42

21

8

7

63

29

2008 Feb

23

48

18

7

5

71

25

2007 Feb

22

41

22

8

7

63

30

2006 Feb

21

47

18

5

9

68

23

2005 Feb

19

50

20

5

6

69

25

2004 Feb

14

45

25

10

6

59

35

2003 Feb

22

42

23

6

7

64

29

2002 Feb

16

42

25

10

7

58

35

2001 Feb

18

45

20

12

5

63

32

2000 Mar

16

46

20

8

10

62

28

2000 Jan

11

43

21

7

18

54

28

1999 May

15

53

19

6

7

68

25

1999 Feb

18

48

16

7

11

66

23

1996 Mar

17

45

18

11

9

62

29

1992 Feb

12

36

27

16

9

48

43

1991 Nov

11

36

26

11

16

47

37

1991 Sep

11

45

25

9

10

56

34

1991 Aug

15

47

19

6

12

62

25

1991 Mar

20

49

16

7

8

69

23

1991 Jan

28

51

10

3

8

79

13

1989 Aug

11

34

29

16

10

45

45

1989 Feb

8

41

25

13

13

49

38

The Palestinian Authority

 

Very favorable

Mostly Favorable

Mostly Unfavorable

Very Unfavorable

No Opinion

Total
Favorable

Total Unfavorable

Avg All Polls

2

15

44

27

12

17

71

2016 Feb 3-7

4

15

41

27

13

19

68

2015 Feb 8-11

3

14

43

29

11

17

72

2014 Feb 6-9

3

16

39

27

15

19

66

2013 Feb 7-10 

3

12

47

30

8

15

77

2012 Feb 2-5 

3

16

44

28

9

19

72

2011 Feb 2-5 

3

16

45

25

11

19

70

2010 Feb 1-3 

3

17

44

26

10

20

70

2009 Feb 9-12

1

14

43

30

12

15

73

2008 Feb 11-14

1

13

47

28

11

14

75

2006 Feb 6-9

1

10

49

29

10

11

78

2005 Feb 7-10

3

24

43

19

11

27

62

2004 Feb 9-12

2

13

44

32

9

15

76

2003 Feb 3-6

1

12

44

29

14

13

73

2002 Feb 4-6

3

11

44

32

10

14

76

2001 Feb 1-4

4

18

39

24

15

22

63

2000 Jan 25-26

3

18

36

16

27

21

52

^ Asked of half sample

 

Egypt

 

Very
favor-
able

Mostly
favor-
able

Mostly
un-
favor-
able

Very
un-
favor-
able

No
opin-
ion

Total
favor-
able

Total
unfavor-
able

Avg All Polls

16

48

24

7

17

56

31

2014 May 2-4

 

 

 

 

 

19

53

2014 Feb 6-9

9

36

33

12

10

45

45

2013 Feb 7-10

9

31

36

17

7

40

53

2012 Feb 2-5

5

42

36

11

7

47

47

2011 Feb 2-5

4

36

37

13

10

40

50

2010 Feb 1-2

8

50

24

5

14

58

29

2009 Feb 9-12

8

51

22

5

14

59

27

2008 Feb 11-14

9

53

21

5

13

62

26

2006 Feb 6-9

8

50

22

5

14

58

27

2004 Feb 9-12

7

51

25

7

10

58

32

2003 Feb 3-6

6

50

20

5

19

56

25

2002 Feb 4-6

7

47

29

5

12

54

34

2001 Feb 1-4

11

54

19

4

12

65

23

1996 Mar 8-10

10

48

19

5

17

58

24

1991 Aug 8-11

9

54

15

5

17

63

20

1991 Mar 14-17

11

55

14

3

17

66

17

1991 Jan 30-Feb 2

10

56

12

3

19

66

15

Iran

 

Very
favor-
able

Mostly
favor-
able

Mostly
un-
favor-
able

Very
un-
favor-
able

No
opin-
ion

Total
favor-
able

Total
unfavor-
able

Avg All Polls

3

9

40

43

6

10

84

2014 May 2-4

 

 

 

 

 

7

73

2014 Feb 6-9

2

10

42

42

4

12

84

2013 Feb 7-10

2

7

39

48

4

9

87

2012 Feb 2-5

2

8

35

52

4

10

87

2011 Feb 2-5

2

9

42

43

4

11

85

2010 Feb 1-3

1

9

39

46

4

10

85

2009 Feb 9-12

2

10

38

42

7

12

80

2008 Feb 11-14

1

7

43

45

4

8

88

2006 Feb 6-9

1

6

40

46

6

7

86

2004 Feb 9-12

3

14

46

31

6

17

77

2003 Feb 3-6

2

11

48

29

10

13

77

2002 Feb 4-6

2

9

46

38

5

11

84

2001 Feb 1-4

2

10

45

38

5

12

83

1996 Mar 8-10

1

5

38

46

10

6

84

1991 Aug 8-11

1

12

44

35

9

13

79

1991 Mar 14-17

3

11

41

35

10

14

76

1991 Jan 30-Feb 2

2

11

39

40

8

13

79

1989 Aug 10-13

1

4

27

62

6

5

89

1989 Feb 28-Mar 2

1

4

27

62

6

5

89

Iraq

 

Very
favor-
able

Mostly
favor-
able

Mostly
un-
favor-
able

Very
un-
favor-
able

No
opin-
ion

Total
favor-
able

Total
unfavor-
able

Avg All Polls

2

7

33

52

6

9

86

2014 May 2-4

 

 

 

 

 

10

70

2008 Feb 11-14

3

17

44

33

3

20

77

2006 Feb 6-9

3

18

39

36

5

21

75

2004 Feb 9-12

4

17

39

35

5

21

74

2003 Feb 3-6

1

4

33

57

5

5

90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2002 Feb 4-6

2

4

39

49

6

6

88

2001 Feb 1-4 ^

2

7

34

51

6

9

85

2000 Nov 13-15

2

4

35

53

6

6

88

1999 May 7-9

1

4

38

53

4

5

91

1999 Feb 8-9

2

5

27

60

6

7

87

1996 Mar 8-10

1

5

34

52

8

6

86

1992 Feb 6-9

1

3

30

62

4

4

92

1991 Aug 8-11

1

6

32

54

7

7

86

1991 Mar 14-17

2

5

26

62

5

7

88

1991 Jan 30-Feb 2

*

3

17

73

7

3

90

Libya

 

Very
favor-
able

Mostly
favor-
able

Mostly
un-
favor-
able

Very
un-
favor-
able

No
opin-
ion

Total
favor-
able

Total
unfavor-
able

Avg All Polls

2

16

41

24

16

18

65

2006 Feb 6-9

2

20

42

16

20

22

58

2004 Feb 9-12

2

23

43

20

12

25

63

2003 Feb 3-6

1

17

39

24

19

18

63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2002 Feb 4-6

2

13

41

27

17

15

68

2001 Feb 1-4

2

9

40

35

14

11

75

Saudi Arabia

 

Very
favor-
able

Mostly
favor-
able

Mostly
un-
favor-
able

Very
un-
favor-
able

No
opin-
ion

Total
favor-
able

Total
unfavor-
able

Avg All Polls

5

31

38

18

8

36

56

2008 Feb 11-14

3

28

43

18

8

31

61

2006 Feb 6-9

3

28

44

18

7

31

62

2004 Feb 9-12

3

25

47

19

6

28

66

2003 Feb 3-6

3

27

41

20

9

30

61

2002 Feb 4-6

4

23

42

22

9

27

64

2001 Feb 1-4

7

40

28

18

7

47

46

1991 Aug 8-11

11

45

21

12

11

56

33

Kuwait

 

Very
favor-
able

Mostly
favor-
able

Mostly
un-
favor-
able

Very
un-
favor-
able

No
opin-
ion

Total
favor-
able

Total
unfavor-
able

2003 Feb 3-6

6

41

30

12

11

47

42

* Less than 0.5%
^ Asked of half sample

In the Middle East conflict, do you think the United States should take... (Chicago Council Surveys)

    2002 2004 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2021
Republican Israel’s side
40%

32%

46%
51%
48%
57%
59%
61%
Neither side
55%
64%
49%
46%
47%
38%
39%
35%
Democrat Israel’s side
18%

12%

14%
17%
17%
19%
16%
12%
Neither side
77%
82%
79%
78%
76%
73%
75%
73%
Independent Israel’s side
19%

15%

26%
25%
30%
30%
27%
29%
Neither side
78%
72%
67%
70%
64%
63%
68%
62%
Total Israel’s side
25%
17%
28%
30%
30%
33%
33%
32%
Neither side
71%
74%
66%
65%
64%
59%
62%
58%

 

In general, what role do you want the United States to play in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Should the United States: (University of Maryland, June 22-July 21, 2021)

  Rep Ind Dem Total
Lean towards Israel 50.7% 13.3% 9.5% 27.4%
Lean towards the Palestinians 2.5% 2.7% 17.9% 9.9%
Lean toward neither side 46.7% 84.0% 72.5% 62.7%

Compared with your view on this issue, how would you describe the positions of your elected congressional representatives on it? (University of Maryland, June 22-July 21, 2021)

  Rep Ind Dem Total
Lean more toward Israel 23.2% 20.5% 33.2% 27.7%
Lean more toward the Palestinians 17.6% 5.1% 6.3% 11.0%
Matching my position 11.5% 8.1% 9.6% 10.3%
Don’t know 47.6% 66.3% 50.9% 51.0%

Thinking about the relationship between the United States and Israel, do you think the U.S. is too supportive of Israel, not supportive enough of Israel, or is the U.S. support of Israel about right? (Quinnipiac University Poll. March 21-25, 2019; (AP-NORC, June 10-14, 2021)

  2019 2021
Too supportive

24%

29%
Not supportive enough

14%

30%
About right

47%

36%
Unsure/No answer

16%

 

Do you think the United States should have a major role, a minor role, or no role in finding a solution to the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians? (AP-NORC, June 10-14, 2021)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

Major role
17%
14%
23%
19%
Minor role
50%
40%
55%
50%
No role
29%
42%
22%
28%

Thinking about U.S. interests, how important an issue is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? (Note: 2015 survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2015, March 12-20, 2020)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

 
2015
2020
2015
2020
2015
2020
2015
2020
The single most important issue

9%

2%

3%

1%

4%

4%

6%

3%

Among the top three issues

25%

16%

13%

12%

20%

12%

21%

14%

Among the top five issues

42%

51%

26%

43%

35%

45%

27%

47%

Not among the top five issues

24%

30%

54%

40%

39%

38%

35%

35%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

--

1%

4%

3%

2%

2%

1%

2%

In the midterm election, several members of the House of Representatives were elected who have been vocally critical of Israeli government policies and of American support for Israel. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with their specific criticism, or whether or not you back American support for Israel, tell me which of the following is closer to your view?  (University of Maryland, March 12-20, 2020)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

It is unacceptable for a member of the U.S. Congress to question the Israeli-American relationship

12%

9%

6%

9%

It is the duty of a member of the U.S. Congress to defend the Israeli-American relationship

32%

12%

9%

19%

It is acceptable for a member of the U.S. Congress to question the Israeli-American relationship

42%

39%

46%

43%

It is the duty of a member of the U.S. Congress to question the Israeli-American relationship

11%

29%

35%

24%

Refuse to answer

3%

12%

5%

5%

If Rashida Tlaib or Ilhan Omar [congresswomen who made statements considerred anti-Semitic and who support BDS] were running in my district in a general election against a more pro-Israel “moderate” Republican: (JCPA, 2020)

I would consider abstaining and sitting that race out

6%

I would vote Democrat (Tlaib or Omar)

31%

I would vote for the more pro-Israel Republican

14%

I would vote for the candidate with whom I agreed most despite Israel

24%

I would vote for a third party candidate

2%

I would be conflicted and not be sure of what to do
18%
Other
4%

In a local primary election, if I was faced with a pro-Israel candidate with whom I disagreed on many issues, and a candidate with whom I agreed on almost everything but who has a very questionable or negative attitude viz. Israel, I would: (JCPA, 2020)

I would consider abstaining and sitting that race out

7%

I would vote for the more pro-Israel candidate of my party

9%

I would vote for the candidate with whom I agreed most despite Israel

57%

I would be conflicted and not be sure of what to do
26%
Other
2%

Partisan divide of those with a favorable opinion of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Gallup, April 17-30, 2019)

 

Republicans

Democrats

Independent

April 2019

65%

18%

37%

February 2017

73%

32%

 

November 4-10, 2015^ 51% 18%  
March 5-8, 2015*

62%

17%

 

February 8-11, 2015**

60%

31%

45%

2014^ 49% 25%  
July 9-12, 2012

50%

25%

32%

^Polls by Shibley Telhami
*After controversial speech before Congress opposing Iran deal
**Before controversial speech before Congress opposing Iran deal

Donald Trump is favoring the _____ too much. (Pew, April 1-15, 2019)

  Israelis Palestinians Right Balance No Answer

Christian

26%

5%

59%

10%

Protestant

22%

6%

62%

10%

 

Evangelical

15%

4%

72%

9%

 

Mainline

28%

5%

57%

11%

 

Historically black

33%

13%

40%

14%

Catholic

34%

5%

51%

10%

Jewish

42%

6%

47%

4%

Unaffiliate

47%

7%

38%

9%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable view of the Israeli/Palestinian people? [not exact wording] (Pew, April 1-15, 2019)

 
View of Israeli People
View of  Palestinian People
 
Unfavorable
Favorable
Unfavorable
Favorable
Christian

23%

69%

49%

41%

Protestant

22%

70%

53%

37%

Evangelical

13%

79%

55%

35%

Mainline

24%

69%

54%

38%

Historically black

42%

44%

45%

41%

Catholic

27%

64%

42%

48%

Unaffiliated

37%

57%

39%

54%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable view of the Israeli/Palestinian government? [not exact wording] (Pew, April 1-15, 2019)

 
View of Israeli People
View of  Palestinian People
 
Unfavorable
Favorable
Unfavorable
Favorable
Christian

42%

48%

73%

16%

Protestant

39%

52%

74%

15%

Evangelical

32%

61%

79%

13%

Mainline

42%

46%

69%

17%

Historically black

61%

27%

68%

20%

Catholic

49%

42%

72%

18%

Unaffiliated

66%

26%

68%

24%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable view of the Israeli/Palestinian people? [not exact wording] (Pew, April 1-15, 2019)

 
Favorable views of both
Favorable Israeli - unfavorable Palestinian
Unfavorable Israeli - favorable Palestinian
Unfavorable views of both
Christian

37%

31%

4%

19%

Protestant

34%

35%

3%

18%

Evangelical

34%

43%

2%

12%

Mainline

33%

35%

5%

19%

Historically black

36%

8%

5%

37%

Catholic

42%

22%

7%

20%

Unaffiliated

42%

14%

12%

25%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable view of the Israeli/Palestinian governments? [not exact wording] (Pew, April 1-15, 2019)

 
Favorable views of both
Favorable Israeli - unfavorable Palestinian
Unfavorable Israeli - favorable Palestinian
Unfavorable views of both
Christian

11%

36%

5%

37%

Protestant

11%

39%

4%

35%

Evangelical

10%

50%

3%

29%

Mainline

12%

32%

5%

36%

Historically black

14%

12%

6%

56%

Catholic

11%

30%

6%

42%

Unaffiliated

11%

14%

12%

53%

Do you agree that the United States has a moral obligation to defend Israel?
        (Harvard-Harris, March 2017)

Yes, the U.S. has a moral obligation to defend Israel

62%

No, the U.S. does not have a moral obligation to defend Israel

38%

Should the U.S. alter its commitment to Israel?
        (Harvard-Harris, March 2017)

The U.S. should reduce it’s commitment to Israel

19%

The U.S. should keep it’s commitment to Israel the same

55%

The U.S. should expand it’s commitment to Israel

26%

If you had to choose, would you rather the U.S. focus it’s diplomatic and military resources on the Middle East or Asia?
        (PBS/Marist, May 2016)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

Middle East

58%

55%

53%

53%

Asia

29%

22%

27%

24%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

13%

24%

20%

23%

Regardless of whether or not you think the U.S. should have a military role in the Middle East, which of the following do you think is the best reason for staying involved in the region? (PBS/Marist, May 2016)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

Commitment to Israel’s safety

23%

15%

19%

18%

The importance of Middle East oil

10%

5%

6%

9%

The need to defeat ISIS

63%

72%

67%

64%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

4%

8%

7%

9%

When it comes to the U.S. role in the Middle East, do you think the U.S. should...?
        (PBS/Marist, May 2016)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

Increase it’s military presence

40%

21%

16%

23%

Keep military presence at current levels

14%

26%

30%

23%

Decrease it’s military presence

19%

31%

27%

24%

Completely withdraw

15%

10%

16%

15%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

12%

13%

11%

14%

From what you have heard or read about the U.S. role in the Middle East, do you think the U.S. is doing more harm or good in the region?
        (PBS/Marist, May 2016)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

Doing more harm

57%

52%

42%

49%

Doing more good

23%

27%

35%

27%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

20%

22%

23%

25%

Do you agree or disagree with this proposal, or don’t you know enough to say? Recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv?
        (Gallup, March 2016)

 

U.S. Jews

Agree

24%

Disagree

20%

Don’t know enough to say

56%

As you may know, there have been suggestions that the UN Security Council should endorse the establishment of a Palestinian state. This idea has received some support in Europe, but opposition in Israel. If the UN Security Council considers such a plan, what do you think the US should do as a member of the UN Security Council?
        (Note: this survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2015)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

Vote in favor of a Palestinian state

18%

15%

39%

27%

Vote against a Palestinian state, including using America’s veto power

43%

13%

15%

26%

Abstain from voting

37%

65%

42%

43%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

3%

7%

4%

4%

In general, what role do you want the United States to play in mediating the Israeli Palestinian conflict? Should the United States...
        (Note: this survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2015)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

Lean towards Israel

45%

13%

19%

29%

Lean towards the Palestinians

2%

3%

4%

3%

Lean towards neither side

51%

80%

75%

66%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

1%

4%

2%

2%

As you may know, the United States has been acting as a mediator between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority, with the aim of reaching an agreement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Whether or not these efforts succeed, there is a question about what kind of future for Israel and the Palestinians the US should be supporting over the long term, and many analysts feel that time is running out for some options. Here are four possible options that are frequently discussed. Please select the one you think the US should support?
        (Note: this survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2015)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

Two states, side-by-side, 1967 borders

29%

25%

45%

35%

One state, equal citizenship

29%

33%

33%

31%

Annexation of territories without equal citizenship

11%

14%

7%

10%

Maintain the status quo indefinitely

22%

20%

11%

17%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

10%

8%

4%

7%

How much influence do you believe the Israeli government has on American politics and policies?
        (Note: the 2015 survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2015, December 2017)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

 
2015
2018
2015
2018
201
2018
2015
2018
Too little influence in American politics

22%

9%

17%

11%

14%

8%

18%

9%

Too much influence

25%

19%

35%

42%

49%

55%

37%

38%

The right level of influence

52%

69

42%

42%

36%

31%

44%

48%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

1%

4%

6%

5%

2%

6%

2%

5%

Thinking about US interests, how important an issue is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
        (Note: this survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2015)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

The single most important issue

9%

3%

4%

6%

Among the top three issues

25%

13%

20%

21%

Among the top five issues

42%

26%

35%

27%

Not among the top five issues

24%

54%

39%

35%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

--

4%

2%

1%

How important is the Israeli-Palestinian issue for you personally?
        (Note: this survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2015)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

The single most important issue

5%

3%

4%

4%

Among the top three issues

18%

7%

11%

14%

Among the top five issues

27%

13%

16%

20%

Not among the top five issues

49%

76%

68%

61%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

1

2%

1%

1%

When you are deciding which candidate to vote for in Congress or for President, how much do you consider the candidate’s position on US policy toward Israel?
        (Note: this survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2015)

 

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Total

A lot

40%

22%

14%

26%

Some

36%

18%

35%

33%

Just a little

10%

21%

27%

19%

Not at all

14%

30%

25%

21%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

<1%

8%

<1%

1%

Would you favor or oppose the use of U.S. troops if Israel were attacked by it’s neighbors?
         (Chicago Council, November 2015)

I would favor this

45%

I would oppose this

55%

Should economic aid to Israel be increased, decreased, kept about the same, or stopped alltogether?
         (Chicago Council, November 2015)

Stopped alltogether

18%

Kept the same

21%

Decreased

46%

Increased

12%

Should military aid to Israel be increased, decreased, kept about the same, or stopped alltogether?
         (Chicago Council, November 2015)

Stopped alltogether

18%

Kept the same

19%

Decreased

46%

Increased

13%

Do you think the U.S. government should be secretly spying on the government of Israel or not?
         (Chicago Council, November 2015)

Yes, they should spy

44%

No, they should not

52%

Do you think U.S. leaders should meet and talk with the leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah, or Iran?
         (Chicago Council, November 2015)

 

Hamas

Hezbollah

Iran

Yes, they should meet and talk

50%

50%

73%

No, they should not meet and talk

50%

50%

27%

In covering the recent escalation of violence, the world media has favored...?
         (Rasmussen, October 2015)

The Israelis

22%

The Palestinians

30%

Media coverage has been fair to both sides

23%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

25%

If the current violence continues between the Israelis and Palestinians, the United States should...?
         (Rasmussen, October 2015)

Get more directly involved

34%

Leave the situation alone

55%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

11%

In the recent escalation of violence in Jerusalem, are most Americans more supportive of the Israelis or the Palestinians?
         (Rasmussen, October 2015)

Israelis

60%

Palestinians

10%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

30%

Would you support or oppose legislation that would make any Iran agreement subject to congressional approval?
         (Quinnipiac, April 2015)

Support

65%

Oppose

24%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

10%

Would you prefer military intervention against Iran’s nuclear program or a negotiated settlement to reduce its nuclear potential?
         (Quinnipiac, April 2015)

Military intervention

13%

Negotiated settlement

77%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

10%

Do you think the President of the United States should be a strong supporter of Israel or not?
         (Quinnipiac, April 2015)

 

April 2015

October 2011

April 2010

Yes they should

67%

63%

66%

No they should not

20%

20%

19%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

13%

17%

15%

Do you think President Barack Obama is a strong supporter of Israel or not?
         (Quinnipiac, April 2015)

 

April 2015

October 2011

April 2010

Yes he is

38%

39%

34%

No he is not

48%

40%

42%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

15%

21%

24%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the situation in Iran?
         (Quinnipiac, April 2015)

 

April 2015

January 2014

October 2013

November 2011

Approve

37%

39%

48%

46%

Disapprove

52%

47%

40%

38%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

10%

14%

12%

16%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the situation between Israel and the Palestinians?
         (Quinnipiac, April 2015)

 

April 2015

October 2011

April 2010

Approve

31%

34%

35%

Disapprove

53%

48%

44%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

15%

17%

21%

Based on what you know about the proposed new deal with Iran and the negotiations on it’s nuclear program, would you say President Obama is being too tough on Iran, too soft, or striking the right balance?
         (Fox News, April 2015)

Too tough

2%

Too soft

51%

Right balance

34%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

13%

Do you think negotiating with Iran is the right thing for the United States to do because it’s the best way to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons, or is negotiating with Iran the wrong thing to do because Iran can’t be trusted to honor any agreement?
         (Fox News, April 2015)

It is the right thing to do

40%

It is the wrong thing to do

50%

Mixed/not sure

5%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

5%

How would you say things are going for the U.S. in the fight against Islamic extremists?
         (Bloomberg, April 2015)

Very well

3%

Somewhat well

30%

Somewhat badly

24%

Very badly

29%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

5%

Recently there have been clashes between Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Obama. Which of these individuals are you more sympathetic towards?
         (Bloomberg, April 2015)

Netanyahu

34%

Obama

47%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

19%

When it comes to relations between the U.S. and Israel, which of the following do you agree with more? (Bloomberg, April 2015)

Israel is an important ally, the only democracy in the region, and we should support it even if our interests diverge

45%

Israel is an important ally, but we should pursue our own interests when we disagree with them

47%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

8%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Obama is handling U.S. relations with Israel? (ABC/WP, March 26-29, 2015)

Approve

38%

Disapprove

50%

No opinion

12%

Some people say Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is in the middle of an election at home, and it is inappropriate for the U.S. to host him for a speech only two weeks before the election is being held. They say this is a Republican attempt to make Netanyahu look stronger before his election. Other people say Iran is getting closer to building a nuclear weapon. As one of the world’s most knowledgeable leaders on the Middle East and the Iranian nuclear program, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu should address Congress before the March 31st deadline for a political framework with Iran.  Which do you agree with?
         (CNN/ORC, February 2015)

It is inappropriate to host Netanyahu so close to an election

25%

It is not inappropriate to host Netanyahu so close to an election

43%

Don’t know/refuse to answer

33%

In your view, should the United States become more active in world affairs, less active in world affairs, or continue it’s current level of activity in world affairs?
 (NBC News/the Wall Street Journal, September 2014)

 

September 2014

April 2014

September 2001

May 1997

March 1995

More active

27%

19%

37%

17%

17%

Less active

40%

47%

14%

32%

34%

Current level

29%

30%

44%

46%

47%

Not sure

4%

4%

5%

5%

2%

In your opinion, is the United States too involved in Middle East affairs?
         (Rasmussen, July 2014)

The US is too involved in the Middle East

44%

The US is not involved enough in the Middle East

21%

The level of US involvement in the Middle East is appropriate

24%

In your opinion, are the United States and its allies winning the war on terror? (Rasmussen, July 2014)

The US and it’s allies are winning

27%

The terrorists are winning

36%

Neither side is winning

29%

Do you support the short-term agreement with Iran that ends some economic sanctions in exchange for cutbacks in Iran’s nuclear weapons program? (Rasmussen, November 2013)

Favor deal

41%

Oppose deal

43%

Don’t know/No opinion

16%

Would you favor or oppose direct diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in an attempt to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons? (CNN/ORC, September 2013)

 

October 2009

September 2013

Favor

78%

76%

Oppose

22%

21%

Unsure

1%

3%

Would you support military strikes on Syria if it does not give up its chemical weapons?
         (Pew, September 2013)

Favor Strikes

37%

Oppose Strikes

49%

Don’t Know/No Opinion

14%

Should the U.S. conduct airstrikes against Syria in response to reports that the government used chemical weapons?
         (Pew, September 2013)

Favor Strikes

28%

Oppose Strikes

63%

Don’t Know/No Opinion

9%

Should Congress pass a resolution authorizing limited U.S. military action in Syria?
         (CNN/ORC, September 2013)

Should Pass

39%

Should Not Pass

59%

No Opinion

2%

Should the United States get more directly involved in the Syrian crisis or leave the situation alone?
          (Rasmussen, August 2011; February 2012; June 2012; Reuters/Ipsos, August 2013)

 

Aug 2011

Feb 2012

June 2012

Aug 2013

Get more directly involved

12%

19%

20%

26%

Leave the situation alone

66%

56%

50%

50%

Undecided

22%

25%

30%

24%

Should the United States continue to provide military and financial aid to Egypt?
         (Rasmussen, August 2013)

Continue Providing Aid

18%

Stop Providing Aid

54%

Undecided

27%

Should the United States get more directly involved in the Egypt situation?
         (Rasmussen, August 2013)

Leave Egypt Situation Alone

73%

Get More Involved

10%

Undecided

17%

Should President Obama be involved in trying to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians?
         (The Hill/Pulse Opinion Research, March 2013)

Very Involved

21%

Somewhat Involved

37%

Not Very Involved

23%

Not At All Invovled

9%

No Opinion

10%

Generally speaking, is President Obama more pro-Israel, anti-Israel or neither? (The Hill/Pulse Opinion Research, March 2013)

Pro-Israel

28%

Anti-Israel

30%

Neither

29%

Not Sure

13%

If Israel were to attack Iran to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, then what should the United States do? Should the United States support Israel’s military action, or should the United States not get involved?
         (CNN/ORC, March 2013)

Support action

49%

Not get involved

49%

Unsure

2%

In order to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, do you think the United States should increase pressure on the Palestinians or the Israelis to compromise?
         
(Gallup, March  2018)

 

Feb. 2007

Feb. 2008

Feb. 2013

March 2018
More Pressure on Palestinians

39%

38%

48%

50%
More Pressure on Israel

30%

25%

25%

27%
More Pressure on Both

11%

15%

10%

 
No More Pressure on Either

10%

10%

8%

 
No Opinion

10%

11%

10%

 

In the dispute between Israel and the Palestinians, sympathize with (Pew (March 25-29, 2015)

 

Israel

Palestinians

A lot

31%

11%

Some

34%

35%

Not much / at all
29%
47%

On whom should the U.S. put more pressure to make compromises? (Gallup, February 7-10, 2013)

More on the Israelis

25%

More on the Palestinians

48%

U.S. support of Israel: (Pew, October 2012)

Too Supportive

22%

Not supportive enough

25%

About right

41%

DK

11%

Do you support or oppose the United States taking military action against Iran if there is evidence that Iran is building nuclear weapons? (Reuters/Ipsos, March 2012)

Support

56%

Oppose

39%

Neither

2%

Both/Unsure

3%

Which of these two statements is closest to your own view? (ADL, October 23, 2011)

 

2007

2011

"American Jews stifle debate about U.S. policy toward Israel and the Middle East."

23%

25%

"The national debate about U.S. policy toward Israel and the Middle East is vigorous and wide open."

46%

52%

Obama promised to veto the Palestinian statehood bid, intervened in the embassy crisis with Egypt, and supported Israel in his UN speech. What’s the main reason? (TNS/Teleseker, October 4-6, 2011)

Elections are coming, he needs Jewish votes

67%

He is balanced, may support Palestinians in future

9%

He’s learned more about the Middle East

6%

Has always been pro-Israel

5%

Don’t know

13%

Do you think President Obama is a strong supporter of Israel or not? (Quinnipiac University/The Israel Project, October 3, 2011)

 

April 2010

June 2011

October 2011

Approve

35%

35%

34%

Disapprove

44%

47%

48%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the situation between Israel and the Palestinians? (Quinnipiac University/The Israel Project, October 3, 2011)

 

June 2011

July 2011

September 2011

October 2011

Approve

46%

47%

44%

44%

Disapprove

44%

43%

47%

48%

Do you think the President of the United States should be a strong supporter of Israel or not? (Quinnipiac University/The Israel Project, October 3, 2011)

 

April 2010

June 2011

October 2011

Republican

Independent

Democrat

Should

66%

66%

63%

76%

62%

56%

Should not

19%

18%

20%

12%

25%

19%

Would you say that President Obama favors Israel or favors the Palestinians?
(Independent Media Review Analysis, September 2011)

Israel

21.4%

Palestinians

36.2%

Treats them equally

20.6%

Don’t know/Refused to answer

21.8%

Do you think Obama’s policies towards Iran will succeed in convincing them to abandon developing nuclear weapons?
(Independent Media Review Analysis, September 2011)

Yes

10.2%

No

77.6%

Don’t know/Refused to answer

12.2%

President Obama is pursuing a policy of diplomacy and sanctions to stop the Iran nuclear program. Do you think this policy will succeed?
(McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Yes

28.0%

No

58.6%

Don’t know/Refused to answer

13.4%

Do you think President Obama’s policies toward Iran will stop them from getting nuclear weapons?
(McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Yes

12.8%

No

78.5%

Don’t know/Refused to answer

8.7%

Do you think President Obama’s failure to stop Iran’s nuclear program would lead to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East?
(McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Yes

50.3%

No

33.8%

Don’t know/Refused to answer

15.9%

When Israel faces a conflict with its enemies, do you want your elected officials to express their support for Israel, or to pressure Israel for a cease-fire? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Support Israel

42.9%

Pressure Israel

32.4%

Don’t know/Refuse to answer

14.8%

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "The Israeli-Arab conflict is the key to improving American’s standing and interests in the region." (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Agree

50.6%

Disagree

31.8%

Don’t know/Refused to answer

17.7%

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "Enemies of America use the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as an excuse to create anti-American sentiment. Even if the dispute is settled, they would find another way to justify their hostility towards America." (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Agree

81.8%

Disagree

11.2%

Don’t know/Refused to answer

7.0%

Do you approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing handling America’s relations with Israel? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Approve

43.2%

Disapprove

44.3%

Don’t know/Refuse to answer

12.6%

Do you think President Obama’s policies in the Middle East are improving Israel’s security or harming it? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Improving security

29.6%

Harming it

42.7%

Don’t know/Refuse to answer

27.7%

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "Barack Obama has been less friendly to Israel than previous presidents." (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Agree

51.6%

Disagree

35.4%

Don’t know/Refuse to answer

13.0%

President Barack Obama is committed to a policy of outreach to the Muslim World. Knowing this, do you think this policy has increased or decreased the security of the United States? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Increased

33.1%

Decreased

46.5%

Don’t know/Refuse to answer

20.4%

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "Israel’s enemies are America’s enemies." (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Agree

50.9%

Disagree

38.4%

Don’t know/Refuse to answer

10.7%

When it comes to the peace process, the Obama Administration has followed a policy of publicly criticizing and pressuring Israel, but not the Palestinians. Do you agree or disagree with this approach? (McLaughlin & Associates, October 2010)

Agree

27.0%

Disagree

54.4%

Don’t know/Refuse to answer

18.7%

Thinking specifically about the Middle East, do you approve or disapprove of the way President Obama is handling U.S. policy toward Israel and the Palestinian territories? (ADL, October 2009)

Approve

46%

Disapprove

32%

In your opinion, does the Obama administration tilt toward Israel, the Palestinians, or is it generally balanced in its Middle East polices? (ADL, October 2009)

Toward Israel

13%

Toward the Palestinians

15%

Generally balanced

49%

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "The U.S. is more likely to be targeted for terrorist attack because of our support for Israel." (ADL)

 

2003

2005

2007

2009

Agree

73%

68%

65%

64%

Disagree

33%

22%

26%

-

In your opinion, should the U.S. continue to support Israel even if it means there will be a greater risk of terrorist attacks against America, or should the U.S. pull back from its support of Israel to minimize the risk of a terrorist attack in this country? (ADL)

 

2003

2005

2007

2009

Support

62%

61%

57%

61%

Pull back

31%

31%

34%

33%

In the Middle East conflict, do you think the United States should take Israel’s side, take the Palestinian’s side, or not take either side?  (Gallup, May 2002)

 

Israel’s side

Palestinian’s side

Neither side

No opinion

2002 (May)

24%

2%

68%

6%

2001 (September)

27%

1%

63%

9%

2000 (July)

16%

1%

74%

9%

2000 (January)

15%

1%

72%

12%

1998 (December)

17%

2%

73%

7%

1998 (May)

15%

2%

74%

9%

Have you followed the recent developments in the Middle East? (Gallup: October 1973 January 1978)

  October 1973
June 1977
January 1978
August 1978
Yes

90%

86%

.

63%

82%

No

10%

14%

.

37%

18%

Asked of those who have followed the recent developments in the Middle East: Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Carter is dealing with the Middle East situation? (Gallup, January 1978)

Approve

56%

Disapprove

26%

Don’t know/Refuse to answer

18%

Do you think President Carter is leaning too much in favor of Israel, too much in favor of Egypt, or do you feel that he is treating both sides fairly equally? (Gallup, January 1978)

Favor Israel

16%

Favor Egypt

6%

Both Equally

62%

Don’t know/Refuse to answer

16%

Asked of those who have followed the recent developments in the Middle East: Do you think Israel is or is not doing all it should to bring about peace in the Middle East? (Gallup, January 1978)

Yes, Israel is

25%

No, Israel is not

57%

Don’t know/Refuse to answer

18%

Asked of those who have followed the recent developments in the Middle East: Do you think Egypt is or is not doing all it should to bring about peace in the Middle East? (Gallup, January 1978)

Yes, Egypt is

32%

No, Egypt is not

50%

Don’t know/Refuse to answer

18%

Asked of those who have followed the recent developments in the Middle East: Do you think the United States should supply arms and material to Israel? (Gallup: November 1973, January 1978)

 
November 1973
January 1978
Yes

37%

31%

No

49%

56%

Don’t know/Refuse to answer

14%

13%

Asked of those who have followed the recent developments in the Middle East: Do you think the United States should supply arms and material to the Arabs? (Gallup, January 1978)

Yes

16%

No
72%
Don’t know/Refuse to answer
12%

What should U.S. do about situation? (Gallup)

 

June 1967

July 1968*

February 1969

February 1970

April 1973
Stay out of conflict

41%

61%

52%

58%

41%

Support Israel (Military aid)

16%

10%

13%

13%

5%

Negotiate for peace / Act as mediator

14%

8%

11%

10%

24%

Work through UN / Reconvene Geneva process

11%

3%

2%

2%

1%

Support Israel (Send troops)

5%

<1%

1%

1%

<1%

Support Arab States
<1%
<1%
1%
1%
<1%
No Opinion/other
13%
20%
20%
15%
31%

*What should U.S. do in event of war?