Congressman Brad Sherman Warns Israel of Eroding US Support

U.S. Representative Brad Sherman, a prominent pro-Israel Democrat from California and Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a stark warning to Israel regarding declining American public support. Sherman cited recent polling data presented on CNN in July, which indicated a significant drop in favorability towards Israel among the U.S. populace. In a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, Sherman urged Israelis to "watch this segment and translate it into Hebrew," emphasizing that the gravity of the situation is not fully understood in Jerusalem. He stated that after speaking with Israel's Ambassador to Washington, Yael Lempert, he felt that "he, or most Israelis, do not understand what is at stake here."

Sherman clarified that the implications extend beyond the traditional $3.8 billion in annual aid, encompassing access to American weaponry and diplomatic backing. He criticized Israel's foreign policy apparatus and government composition, noting that "Israel is not prepared to take even basic steps to improve its image in the world. They do not budget for their Foreign Ministry, and the presence of Ben-Gvir in the government is an existential threat."

Furthermore, Sherman argued that Israel's approach of disregarding international criticism is historically flawed. He acknowledged that anti-Israel sentiment in parts of the world and the U.S. political system may not be justified, but cautioned that hearing Israelis claim their actions are justified because they are right demonstrates "ignorance of Jewish history." He concluded that "Israel cannot exist without friends in the world."

The polling data Sherman referenced shows a dramatic shift: Israel's net favorability rating has plummeted from +51 points in 2018 to -16 points currently, a total swing of 67 points. Surveys from Ipsos, Fox News, and Pew, as presented on CNN, indicate that a majority of the American public holds a negative view of Israel, with 55% believing that military aid to the country should be reduced or halted.