A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals a marginal decrease in backing for Israel and the Biden administration's management of the situation across all demographics.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 27: US President Joe Biden speaks to a crowd during the South Carolina Democratic Party First in the Nation Celebration and dinner at the state fairgrounds on January 27, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. South Carolina holds its Democratic party primary on February 3.
Only 31% of U.S. adults agree with Biden's handling of the conflict, with a 46% approval from Democrats. The decline comes after an initial upswing in support for Israel post the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Melissa Morales, a 36-year-old political independent in Runnemede, New Jersey, told The Associated Press she finds herself watching, on a daily basis, videos and news from Gaza. Images of Palestinian children wounded, orphaned, or unhoused by the fighting in Gaza make her mind go to her own 3-year-old boy.
"I just can't even imagine, like, my son roaming the streets, wanting to be safe. Wanting his mom. Or just wanting someone to get him," she said.
Israel's military actions have crossed a line, said Morales, who also questions the Biden administration's strong backing. From the onset of the Hamas militant group's attacks on October 7, Biden has consistently supported Israel both militarily and diplomatically.
How Does The U.S. Feel About Israel?
According to the AP, The U.S. has become increasingly isolated in its support of Israel as the Palestinian death toll rises past 27,000, with two-thirds of the victims women and children. The Biden administration says it is pressing Israel to reduce its killing of civilians and allow in more humanitarian aid.
"These kids ... they're needing the end of this," Morales continued. "It's such an unfair fight."
John Milor, a cybersecurity expert based in Clovis, California, who identifies as an independent voter leaning towards the Republican Party, expresses unwavering support for Israel, stating that he remains "100%" committed to standing behind them.
ABC discloses changing sentiments, with 33% of Republicans now expressing concern that Israel's military response is too aggressive, a substantial rise from 18% in November. Independents also show an uptick, with 52% sharing this sentiment, up from 39%. Democrats, maintaining a consistent majority at 62%, echo the sentiment observed in November.
The overall trend in the poll indicates that 50% of U.S. adults feel Israel's military offensive has gone too far, a rise from the 40% reported in an AP-NORC poll conducted in November.
The poll's findings also prove to be worrisome for President Joe Biden regarding support from his own political party. U.S. adults are exceptionally uneasy that the current Israel-Hamas war could lead to a more extensive conflict in the Middle East.
