- A recent Gallup poll shows a shift in American sympathy, with support for Israel declining to 46%, down from 51% in 2024. Sympathy for Palestinians has risen to 33%, a six-point increase from the previous year.
- Democrats are increasingly showing support for Palestinians, while Republicans remain firmly pro-Israel.
- Celebrities, including rapper Macklemore and rock bands like Green Day, have supported the Palestinian cause.
Full Story
A recent Gallup survey tracking Americans’ views on the Middle East conflict for over two decades shows a noticeable shift in public opinion. More Americans are sympathizing with Palestinians as support for Israel declines.
Declining support for Israel
According to Gallup’s World Affairs Survey, 46% of Americans now say they support Israel, down from 51% in 2024 and 54% in 2023. At its peak, support for Israel was 64% in both 2018 and 2013. While support for Israel still holds the majority, the trend is going downward.
The results come from a survey of more than 1,000 adults across all 50 states.
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Rising sympathy for Palestinians
Since Gallup began tracking this issue in 2001, sympathy for Palestinians has steadily increased. In 2025, support for Palestine has reached its highest level, with 33% of Americans expressing sympathy, up six points from the previous year.
Political divides over Middle East conflict
The survey highlights a partisan divide on the issue. Democratic support for Israel has been declining, with many Democrats now showing more sympathy for Palestinians than Israelis. This shift first appeared in 2022. In contrast, Republicans remain overwhelmingly supportive of Israel, with 75% backing the country and just 10% sympathizing with Palestine.
Independent voters show a more balanced view, with 42% supporting Israel and 34% backing Palestine.
Cultural impact: Entertainment industry weighs in
Entertainers have also taken up the Palestinian cause. In a recent song, rapper Macklemore criticized U.S. financial support for Israel, echoing sentiments expressed by other artists. Rock bands like Green Day and Rage Against the Machine have used their platforms to express solidarity with Palestinians, sometimes changing song lyrics or displaying the nation’s flag during performances.
The two-state solution stalls
Despite growing support for an independent Palestinian state, the two-state solution has routinely stalled and was dealt a significant blow following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Now, international leaders are focused on what comes next for Gaza, the future role of Hamas and how the West Bank will be governed.
The survey also indicates 40% of Americans approve of how President Donald Trump is handling efforts to end the conflict, with a ceasefire currently in place between Israel and Hamas. U.S. officials are working on further negotiations as the situation evolves.
