President Joe Biden initially showed strong support for Israel after the Hamas attacks in October, but polling conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for Newsweek has shown that American voters have become increasingly dissatisfied with his handling of the Gaza crisis. The surveys conducted since December revealed a decline in approval ratings for Biden’s actions in the crisis. While some experts believe that Biden’s stance on Israel could be challenging to explain to his base on the presidential campaign trail, others argue that it may not have a significant impact on the election outcome.
The first survey conducted in October showed a narrow positive approval rating of 2 percentage points for Biden’s handling of the situation in Israel. A subsequent poll in December indicated an increase in approval to 6 percentage points. However, Biden’s approval ratings on Israel have since plummeted, with recent polling showing a sharp decline to -9 points. Despite Biden’s efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, a significant portion of American voters remain disapproving of his actions, with many attributing responsibility for the crisis to him.
Younger voters, particularly Generation Z and millennials, appear to hold Biden accountable for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with a substantial proportion placing blame on him rather than on Hamas or other entities. This division among voters, especially among the youth and minorities, highlights the complexity of the conflict and the challenges faced by the Biden administration in addressing the crisis. The U.S. government’s actions, including blocking ceasefire resolutions at the Security Council, have further fueled criticism and raised questions about its role in the conflict.
Despite increasing public dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of the Israel-Gaza crisis, his administration’s continued support for Israel has drawn scrutiny and calls for Israel to take immediate steps in Gaza. While Biden’s patience with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu may be wearing thin, his efforts to balance public statements with tangible support for Israel have faced criticism. The upcoming presidential election raises concerns among Democrats about the impact of the Israel issue on voter turnout, especially in swing states where small margins can influence the outcome.
Overall, while the Israel-Gaza conflict poses challenges for Biden, particularly in mobilizing his base and navigating public perception, issues such as immigration, inflation, and the economy are likely to take precedence for voters in the November election. The divide among American voters on the Israel issue underscores the complexity of international relations and the balancing act required by political leaders to navigate differing perspectives and interests. Moving forward, how Biden addresses the Israel-Gaza crisis will continue to shape public opinion and potentially influence the 2024 presidential election.
