A recent poll conducted prior to Iran’s attack found that a plurality of Americans want President Biden to take a tougher stance on Israel and call for a cease-fire in the conflict against Hamas. The poll revealed that 34% of respondents believe Biden is “not tough enough” on Israel, while Democrats were more likely than Republicans or Independents to feel this way. Despite Biden’s efforts to negotiate a cease-fire, the poll also indicated that a significant portion of the public supports the US calling for an end to the conflict.
While Biden has been urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a cease-fire, negotiations have been challenging due to concerns about the hostages involved. Despite the complexities of the situation, the majority of Americans still favor Israel in the conflict, with some feeling sympathetic towards the Palestinians as well. Among Democrats, there is more sympathy for the Palestinian side, while Republicans overwhelmingly support Israel. The survey also showed that there is divided opinion on whether the US should continue providing aid to Israel.
Another recent poll found that an increasing number of Americans want Biden to pressure Israel to ease its military campaign against Hamas. A growing percentage of respondents believe Biden should push for a halt or decrease in military actions, rather than maintain or increase the current level. The poll also demonstrated a shift in sympathies, with more respondents expressing support for the Palestinians compared to a previous survey. Additionally, opinions on how the US should respond in the event of an Iranian attack against Israel varied among respondents.
Overall, the polls indicate that there is a significant level of public interest in and concern about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Americans have differing views on how President Biden should address the situation, with some wanting a tougher stance on Israel and others calling for a cease-fire. The polls also highlight the complex political dynamics at play domestically regarding support for Israel and the Middle East conflict. As negotiations continue and tensions persist, it remains to be seen how Biden will navigate the challenging political landscape surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
