Poll Reveals Half of Democrats Accuse Israel of Genocide Amidst Shifting Political Landscape

A new poll reveals a shocking reality: half of Democrats now assert that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This marks a significant decline in bipartisan support for Israel, a foreign policy issue that once enjoyed broad consensus.

The survey indicates that approximately one-third of U.S. adults share this belief, with growing opposition among Democrats and emerging divisions within Republican ranks. Criticism of Israel's actions has intensified nearly three years after the latest conflict with Hamas erupted.

This accusation, made by various human rights organizations and firmly denied by both Israel and the U.S. government, is not universally accepted. Roughly 20% of Americans disagree with the genocide claim, while the remaining half remain uncertain. Notably, around 30% of Jewish adults align with this view, although nearly half, 49%, do not.

Harold Kalmus, a 69-year-old Democrat from Arden, Delaware, expressed his disillusionment with Israel's military actions. "What they have done is just an unspeakable horror," he stated, emphasizing the threat posed by Hamas while condemning Israel's response as an attempt to "wipe out a civilization."

These views have sharply eroded since Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 deaths in Israel, primarily civilians, and 251 hostages taken to Gaza.

In stark contrast, more than 73,000 Palestinians have reportedly died in Gaza according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties.

American sympathies have been gradually shifting towards Palestinians since around 2020, but this trend has accelerated significantly since the current war began.

Regarding Israel's military actions, about 40% of Americans remain undecided on whether the immediate response to Hamas’ attack or its ongoing operations were justified. Among those with an opinion, most deemed the initial retaliation justified; however, a majority now believe its current actions are not.

This sentiment resonates among Jewish adults as well, with approximately three-quarters justifying the initial response but only 40% supporting ongoing operations.

The relationship between the U.S. and Israel remains tense, especially with high-stakes midterm elections looming that will determine the balance of power in Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump's term.

Vice President JD Vance recently criticized Israeli leaders for their frustrations with Trump, while vocal critics of Israel have achieved victories against establishment-backed Democrats in recent New York and Colorado primaries.

The poll indicates a decisive shift within the Democratic Party. Approximately 58% of Democrats now believe the U.S. is "too supportive" of Israel, up from 45% in January 2024. This includes 51% of Jewish Democrats.

Simultaneously, about 62% of Democrats feel the U.S. is "not supportive enough" of Palestinians, an increase from 49% in 2024. Younger Democrats (under 45) are more likely to hold this view, but older Democrats are increasingly aligning with them; 57% now advocate for more U.S. support for Palestinians, up from 39% two years prior.

Joy Jennik, a 73-year-old Democrat from Brookfield, Wisconsin, developed strong opinions on the U.S.-Israel relationship only after the October 7 attack. She now believes Israel is guilty of genocide. "The Gaza Strip, there’s not a lot left of it. Those poor people are barely living," said Jennik, a retired home economics teacher.

Among Republicans, only 13% describe Israel’s actions as genocide. However, an age gap exists; about 20% of Republicans under 45 hold this view compared to only 10% among those 45 and older. Overall, 60% of Republicans consider U.S. support for Israel "about right."

While only about 20% of Republicans believe the U.S. is "too supportive" of Israel, younger Republicans are more inclined to this perspective. The share of Republicans who feel the U.S. is "not supportive enough" has decreased from 39% to 15% since 2024.

Mike Cardona, a 70-year-old Republican from suburban Phoenix, expressed satisfaction with U.S. support for Israel and rejected the genocide accusation. "I wish they’d gone in harder and better," Cardona said regarding Israel's military action in Gaza.

"Unfortunately, some innocents will be hurt, but Hamas and Hezbollah never took that into consideration when they were killing children and women in Israel."

Interviews with respondents indicate that criticism of Israel often targets its leadership, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Only 20% of U.S. adults hold a favorable view of Netanyahu; 38% view him unfavorably while 41% are undecided. Netanyahu is particularly unpopular among Jewish adults, with about 60% viewing him unfavorably.

Younger adults across party lines are more likely to be undecided about Netanyahu; however, younger Republicans' views are more unfavorable.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a prominent critic of Israel, garners a 27% favorable opinion among U.S. adults; 28% view him unfavorably while 44% are undecided. Jewish adults predominantly Democrats view Mamdani more positively than Netanyahu; 44% favorable and 39% unfavorable. About half of Democrats overall have a favorable impression of Mamdani.

Despite these strong opinions, the U.S.-Israel relationship is not a primary concern for many Americans heading into the midterm elections.

For voters like Michael Ripka, a 34-year-old stagehand from Casper, Wyoming who typically votes Republican, the economy is paramount. "Everything is mad expensive," he said, adding that conflicts in the Middle East are "100% a very big distraction."