Steve Peoples

A national poll shows that most Jewish Americans feel unrepresented by either major U.S. political party as the Israel-Gaza war intensifies political divisions. Majorities report rising antisemitism and express dissatisfaction with both Democrats and Republicans, citing insufficient support for Jewish Americans and conflicting views on Israel. Personal accounts from Jewish voters across the political spectrum highlight feelings of alienation, internal community divisions, and differing perspectives on U.S. policy toward Israel and Palestinians.

Poll results show sharply declining Democratic support for Israel, with about half of Democrats and a third of U.S. adults believing Israel committed genocide in Gaza, a view shared by 30 percent of Jewish Americans. Opinions on Israel’s military actions are increasingly divided, with most Americans supporting the initial response to Hamas’ 2023 attack but a majority viewing ongoing operations as unjustified. Democratic voters increasingly feel the U.S. is overly supportive of Israel and insufficiently supportive of Palestinians, a shift strongest among younger voters but expanding among older ones. Republican views remain more favorable toward Israel, though younger Republicans express more skepticism. Public sentiment toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is broadly unfavorable, while views of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are mixed but more positive among Democrats and Jewish adults. Despite intense debate, most Americans do not consider the U.S.–Israel relationship a top election issue, prioritizing domestic concerns such as the economy.