US Jewish Community Divided on Military Aid to Israel, Polls Show
A significant portion of American Jews are expressing a desire to reduce or halt U.S. military aid to Israel, according to recent polls. A Maariv survey indicates that 52% of American Jewish respondents favor cutting or ending the annual $3.3 billion in military assistance. Specifically, 17% support a complete cessation of aid, while 36% advocate for a reduction. Conversely, 40% of those polled wish to maintain the current level of support, with 8% undecided.
The issue reveals a deep partisan divide within the American Jewish community. Among Democrats, 63% favor reducing or ending aid, while 67% of Republicans and 65% of independents prefer to keep aid at its current level. This division is also evident when considering specific types of weaponry. Forty percent of respondents are concerned about potential cuts to funding for defensive systems like the Iron Dome, and 36% are concerned about cuts to offensive weapons. Republicans show higher concern for both categories (56% for defensive, 54% for offensive) compared to Democrats (34% for defensive, 29% for offensive).
Despite these views on aid, American Jews' voting intentions are not solely dictated by this issue. A separate Jewish Voters Resource Center (JVRC) poll found that 47% of respondents would be less likely to support a congressman who voted to cut aid to Israel. Even among those who favor aid reduction, such a vote does not automatically translate into electoral advantage.
The JVRC poll, conducted from August 26 to September 1 among 800 registered Jewish voters, also highlighted a strong emotional connection to Israel, with 71% maintaining such a bond. However, a majority (65%) disapprove of the current Israeli government's policies regarding the West Bank and Gaza, and 67% hold a negative view of Prime Minister Netanyahu. For most American Jews, Israel is not a top-tier issue in midterm elections, with cost of living (37%) and the future of American democracy (36%) ranking higher.
Concerns about rising antisemitism are also prominent. Fifty-six percent of American Jews polled by Maariv believe that actions by the Netanyahu government have fueled antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiment in the U.S., a view shared by 65% of Democrats, 46% of independents, and 34% of Republicans. Worry about antisemitic rhetoric is high across the political spectrum, with 48% concerned about it among Republicans and 44% among Democrats. A separate JVRC poll confirmed widespread anxiety about antisemitism in the U.S., with 89% of Jewish voters expressing concern.
Broader American public opinion also shows a shift, with a Marquette Law School poll from September 2-9 finding that 55% of U.S. adults consider current military aid to Israel excessive, an increase from 52% in July. Thirty-three percent believe the aid level is adequate, and 12% consider it insufficient.
