US Congressman Warns Israel of Losing American Support

Democratic Congressman Brad Sherman has issued a stark warning to Israeli leadership and the public, stating that "Israelis do not understand the magnitude of the danger" regarding the potential loss of American security assistance and diplomatic backing. Sherman, a long-time supporter of Israel in the Democratic Party, urged Israelis to translate his message, emphasizing that the stakes involve more than just the traditional $3.8 billion in annual aid, but also access to American weaponry and crucial diplomatic support.

Sherman's warning comes in response to polling data presented on CNN, which revealed a dramatic and unprecedented decline in American public support for Israel. He noted that the net support for Israel has shifted from a positive 51 points in July 2018 to a negative 16 points currently, a drop of 67 points. This decline is evident across various polls, including those from Ipsos, Fox News, Marquette University, and Pew Research Center, indicating a significant negative shift in public opinion.

The congressman specifically highlighted the presence of Itamar Ben-Gvir in the Israeli government as an "existential threat" and criticized Israel's lack of basic steps to improve its global image, including underfunding its Foreign Ministry. Sherman also cautioned against a perceived Israeli belief that their actions are inherently justified, linking this to a potential ignorance of Jewish history and a misunderstanding of international sentiment.

The polling data indicates that the erosion of support is not confined to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party but is a broader trend affecting the entire American electorate. A significant majority, 55% of the American public, now believes that military aid to Israel should be reduced or completely halted. This sentiment spans across different educational backgrounds, with 51% of those without a college degree and 62% of those with a college degree supporting a reduction or cessation of aid.