Data from reputable opinion polls, along with widespread public protests, indicate that the long-standing support Israel once enjoyed among Americans is now facing a serious challenge, with a growing portion of public opinion leaning toward Palestine.
Israel, which for decades held a privileged position in U.S. public perception and foreign policy discourse, is now experiencing a level of social and political isolation that even officials of the regime have openly acknowledged. The continuation of military operations in Gaza and the release of images showing their humanitarian consequences have played a key role in this change.
A Shift in American Public Opinion
In the 1990s, more than half of Americans expressed sympathy for Israel, while support for Palestine stood at below 20 percent. Even in the immediate aftermath of the October 7 attack, early polls indicated increased American support for Israel. However, this trend gradually reversed as the war in Gaza continued.
According to a Gallup poll conducted in October 2023, 47 percent of Americans supported Israel, compared to only 20 percent who supported Palestine. Over time, this balance shifted. By September 2025, approximately 35 percent of Americans expressed support for Palestine, while 59 percent opposed continued U.S. military aid to Israel. Subsequent surveys also showed growing support for Palestine among younger generations—particularly young Democrats—and indicated that a majority of Americans favored a ceasefire in Gaza.
New York: A Symbol of Political Change
This shift in public attitudes is not limited to the national level. In New York City, the most important economic and media hub in the United States, polls suggest that critical views of Israel have gained broader support. Some analysts believe this trend played a decisive role in the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York.
According to a poll conducted by Quinnipiac University, 41 percent of likely voters in New York City said Mamdani’s views on Israel were closer to their own, while only 26 percent said the same about his rival, Andrew Cuomo.
Mamdani rose to power after explicitly stating that he would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if he entered New York City—a stance that sharply contrasts with the city’s leadership in previous decades.
Widespread Protests and the Role of Youth
Alongside opinion polls, street protests have also illustrated this shift in public sentiment. Large numbers of Americans, particularly young people and students, have taken part in demonstrations opposing Israeli policies. Despite facing serious consequences—including suspension, expulsion, and even arrest—American students have continued their protests throughout the two years of the Gaza war.
In addition, several prominent figures in the U.S. cultural and entertainment industries have spoken out openly against Israel, with some expressing their support for Palestine during award ceremonies and other high-profile events.
Taken together, these developments suggest that Israel is facing a serious crisis in American public opinion—a crisis that extends beyond students and younger generations to broader segments of U.S. society.
For many international observers, this shift may carry long-term implications for U.S. foreign policy and Israel’s position in global affairs.
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