Israel Faces US Support Crisis Amid Shifting American Public Opinion

Recent US midterm election results and the Democratic Party's control of Congress signal a significant shift in American public opinion regarding Israel, according to an Israeli news report. The widening gap between the American public and Israel is no longer confined to a small group of lawmakers but now encompasses a broader segment of the population that questions the importance of US-Israel relations and blames Israel for negatively influencing Washington officials.

Vice President JD Vance attributed Republican losses in the midterms to the war in Iran, noting that polls revealed a concerning trend for Jerusalem: former Donald Trump voters now supporting Democrats want to see a change in US-Israel relations. Vance suggested the next Israeli leader should focus on repairing ties not only with the US President but also with the American people and the American Jewish community. The report also cited criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with one source on CNN stating he has done "terrible damage" to Jews worldwide by isolating Israel. Former President Trump also expressed concern, noting a significant dislike for Israel among Americans.

Data indicates a sharp decline in favorability towards Israel. In 2021, 75% of Americans held a positive view of Israel, a figure that dropped to 46% by 2026. This decline is observed across the political spectrum, with over 50% of Democrats believing Israel commits genocide and over 50% of Republicans under 50 viewing Israel negatively. Experts like Dr. Avner Golov, Vice President of MIND Israel, and Shira Efron, Head of Israel Cathedral and Senior Fellow at RAND Corporation, emphasize the severity of the situation, stating Israel is losing the US not by fighting a losing battle, but by not actively engaging.

To address this, experts suggest a reevaluation of the US-Israel relationship, potentially moving away from a sole reliance on American security aid. Instead, the focus could shift to a technological alliance, leveraging Israel's strength as a "startup nation." This would involve investing in critical 21st-century technologies like AI, quantum computing, energy, and semiconductors, fostering joint ventures between Israeli and American innovators. This approach mirrors Japan's successful strategy after World War II, which rebuilt its image and strengthened ties with the US through economic and technological collaboration, leading to a surge in American support.

Furthermore, the report highlights that policy decisions, particularly concerning the West Bank, are damaging Israel's image. Reports of violence in the West Bank, described as "Jewish terrorism" by Washington, and the perceived inaction against perpetrators draw significant attention and criticism from Congress. Experts argue that changing this policy, alongside discussions about a political horizon and avoiding perpetual occupation, could help sway undecided lawmakers and counter negative campaigns against Israel. The article concludes that the US relationship is crucial for Israel's security, economy, and international standing, serving as the sole guarantor against UN actions similar to those against North Korea, and emphasizes the need for a national project to preserve this vital connection.