New York Times/Siena survey: Americans more favorable to Palestinians than Israel

A survey of New York Times And of the University of Siena reveals an unprecedented change in American public opinion since the start of the war in Gaza. While in December 2023, 47 % of Americans supported Israel against 20 % the Palestinians, 35 % is now favorable to the Palestinians, compared to 34 % in Israel. The fracture is particularly marked among young people: 61 % of 18-29 year olds express their sympathy for Palestinians, against 19 % for Israel. On the partisan side, 54 % of Democrats say they are closer to the Palestinians (compared to 13 % for Israel), while 64 % of Republicans continue to mainly support Israel.

Another striking data: 40 % of Americans believe today that Israel deliberately kills civilians in Gaza, against only 22 % in 2023. This hardening of opinion illustrates the growing distrust of Israeli military strategy and could weigh on the American political debate, as the presidential election approaches.

This evolution mainly reflects the failure of Israeli propaganda in the United States. Despite massive and unconditional support from Washington to Tel Aviv, the images of massacres, organized famine and systematic destruction in Gaza have highlighted the reality of a genocide. Public opinion, especially the younger generations, now perceives Israel as a colonial power responsible for a policy of annihilation of the Palestinian people. This tilting a little more weakens pro-Israeli consensus and opens the way to an increasing challenge to the role of the United States in the perpetuation of this historic crime.