A recent Gallup poll reveals a significant shift in American sympathies regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, showing a growing alignment with the Palestinian cause. This change marks a stark contrast to previous decades when support for Israel dominated public sentiment in the United States. As of now, 41% of Americans indicate that they sympathize more with the Palestinians, while 36% express greater sympathy for the Israelis, a notable shift from three years ago when 54% favored Israel.
This evolving perspective has intensified amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The polling data indicates that support for Israel has become increasingly contentious, with profound implications for U.S. politics and foreign policy. Notably, the change in sentiment has been largely propelled by the Democratic Party, where a significant majority now leans towards supporting the Palestinians.
Democratic Shift in Sympathy
Around two-thirds of Democrats now express more concern for the Palestinians, a stark increase from just a few years ago when approximately half identified more with the Israelis. The initial attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and the taking of hostages, has been met with what many perceive as a disproportionate Israeli response. Reports indicate that over 72,000 Palestinians have died, with a considerable portion being women and children, leading to accusations of genocide against Israel, a claim that the Israeli government vehemently denies.
While a Gallup poll conducted prior to the October attacks already showed a shift in Democratic sympathies, this trend has been observable since 2017. The declining support for Israel correlates with the decreasing favorability of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the United States. His approval rating dropped nearly 15 percentage points from 2017 to 2024, reflecting growing discontent among American voters.
The conflict has led to divisions within the Democratic Party, especially during President Joe Biden‘s administration and ahead of the 2024 presidential election. A recent AP-NORC poll highlighted that many Democrats are questioning the U.S.’s level of support for Israel, with some attributing significant responsibility for the conflict’s escalation to the Israeli government.
Independents and Generational Perspectives
The Gallup poll also indicates that independents are increasingly aligning with the Palestinian cause, with approximately 40% expressing sympathy for the Palestinians, a first in Gallup’s trend analysis. In contrast, about 30% align with the Israelis, marking a decline in their support.
Among younger Americans aged 18 to 34, approximately half now sympathize more with the Palestinians, compared to about a quarter who favor the Israelis. This demographic shift has been evident since around 2020 and reflects a broader movement among college students, who have organized protests advocating for a reduction in institutional support for Israel.
While most Republicans continue to support Israel—approximately 70% express sympathy for the Israeli side—this figure has seen a slight decrease from about 80% prior to the conflict. Some factions within the Republican Party are beginning to question longstanding U.S. support for Israel, indicating a potential shift in party dynamics.
The Gallup survey also reveals generational changes in sentiment. For the first time, middle-aged Americans aged 35 to 54 showed greater sympathy for the Palestinians than the Israelis, reversing last year’s trend. Although older Americans over 55 remain more sympathetic to Israel, their support is at its lowest since 2005.
According to Gallup, about 57% of U.S. adults favor the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This level of support has remained relatively stable over recent years, with at least half of Americans endorsing the idea since 2020. However, there remains a stark contrast between American public opinion and that of those directly affected in the region; only about 30% of Israelis and Palestinians support a two-state solution.
The findings reflect a notable disconnect between the views of Americans and those living in the region, emphasizing the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the evolving landscape of public opinion in the United States. As the situation continues to develop, these shifting sympathies will likely play a critical role in shaping future U.S. foreign policy and domestic political dynamics.
The Gallup poll was conducted from February 2-16, 2026, among 1,001 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
