A new Associated Press-NORC poll released Tuesday shows a growing rift within the Democratic Party over U.S. support for Israel. The survey found that 58 percent of Democrats now believe the United States supports Israel too much, a sharp increase from the 45 percent recorded previously.
The shift signals mounting pressure on the Biden administration to recalibrate its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The poll indicates that Democrats are increasingly calling for more humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, a stance that could reshape U.S. foreign policy priorities in the region.
The data underscores a widening partisan divide on the issue. While Democratic criticism of Israel has intensified, Republican support for Israel remains overwhelmingly strong, with only a small fraction of GOP respondents saying the U.S. backs Israel too much. This divergence could complicate bipartisan cooperation on Middle East policy in Congress.
Public opinion appears to be moving in tandem with growing unrest among progressive and younger Democratic voters. The poll reflects a broader trend of shifting sentiment within the party base, where calls for accountability and a reevaluation of military aid to Israel have gained traction in recent months.
The survey's findings come amid ongoing violence in Gaza and a stalemate in ceasefire negotiations. Analysts suggest that if this trend continues, it could influence Democratic primary contests and put pressure on President Biden to adjust his administration's stance ahead of the 2024 election.