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

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

*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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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, 2019, October 12 – 16, 2023, November 9-13, 2023)

 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, 2019, October 12 – 16, 2023, November 9-13, 2023)

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

T

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Israel (%) (Gallup, The Israel Project)

The Palestinian Authority

Egypt

Iran

Iraq

Libya

Saudi Arabia

Kuwait

* Less than 0.5%
^ Asked of half sample

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

^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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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)

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

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)

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

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

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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)

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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)

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)

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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