US Congressman Warns Israel of Waning American Support

Democratic Congressman Brad Sherman, a prominent and long-standing supporter of Israel in the US Congress, has issued an urgent warning to Israeli leadership and the public. Sherman expressed concern that Israel does not fully grasp the magnitude of the danger it faces regarding the potential loss of American security assistance and diplomatic backing. He urged Israelis to translate his message, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation.

Sherman's warning comes in response to recent polling data presented on CNN, which indicated a dramatic decline in American public support for Israel. He noted that this shift is not confined to the progressive wing of the Democratic party but is evident across the broader American electorate. Sherman stated that he does not believe the Israeli ambassador, or most Israelis, understand what is at stake, which extends beyond the traditional $3.8 billion in annual aid to include access to American weaponry and diplomatic support.

The CNN report highlighted a significant shift in American public opinion, showing a net support for Israel that has turned negative across major recent polls. For instance, net support has fallen to minus 10 points in an Ipsos poll, minus 11 in Fox News, minus 20 in a Marquette University poll, and minus 23 in a Pew Research Center poll. This represents a drastic decline of 67 points since July 2018, when average net support stood at plus 51 points.

Furthermore, the data indicates a growing sentiment against military aid to Israel, with 55% of the American public believing that such aid should be reduced or completely halted. This includes 51% of those without a college education and 62% of those with a college degree. Sherman specifically cited the presence of Itamar Ben-Gvir in the Israeli government as an "existential threat" and criticized the Israeli approach to foreign relations, including underfunding its Foreign Ministry, as detrimental to its image.

Sherman also cautioned against a perceived Israeli belief that their actions are inherently justified and therefore require no effort to improve their global image. He suggested that this perspective demonstrates ignorance of Jewish history and fails to recognize the changing dynamics of international and political sentiment. The congressman stressed that the erosion of support for Israel is no longer limited to specific political factions but represents a widespread trend that threatens the core of the strategic alliance between the United States and Israel.