US Congressman Warns of Sharp Decline in American Support for Israel

Brad Sherman, a long-serving Democratic congressman from California and a prominent supporter of Israel, has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating image of the Jewish state among the American public. Sherman believes that both Israeli leadership and citizens are underestimating the severity of this shift.

He urged Israeli officials to review a CNN segment featuring analyst Harry Enten, which presented polling data showing a net favorability rating for Israel in the U.S. has fallen to negative 16 points, a significant drop from plus 51 points eight years ago. Sherman stated he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Washington and concluded that the scale of this crisis is not fully recognized in Jerusalem.

The congressman highlighted that the risks extend beyond annual financial aid packages to include arms shipments and diplomatic backing on the international stage. He also criticized the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs for insufficient public outreach efforts.

Sherman specifically addressed the issue of violence by radical settlers in Judea and Samaria, emphasizing that ignoring this problem undermines Israel's standing with democratic nations. He further identified the presence of Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in the government as an additional risk factor.

Polling data from various reputable centers, including Ipsos, Fox News, and Pew Research Center, corroborates Sherman's concerns, indicating a negative balance in American attitudes toward Israel. A joint Ipsos and Washington Post poll revealed that 55% of Americans favor reducing or completely halting military aid to Israel.