Americans’ Shifting Views on Israel’s Gaza War and U.S. Military Aid One Year After the October 7 Attacks
It has been a year since the devastating October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which left over 1,200 Israelis dead and took around 250 hostages. As the war rages on, the ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 41,000 Palestinian deaths, with most victims being women and children. Israel’s responses to the attacks have triggered clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon and missile strikes from Iran, intensifying the risk of a broader regional war.
A Year of Shifting Sentiments in the U.S.
Historically, Americans have been largely supportive of Israel, with backing for military aid being a popular stance in U.S. foreign policy. But as the conflict drags on, attitudes are shifting. An increasing number of Americans are now critical of Israel’s military actions, particularly as the civilian death toll in Gaza continues to rise. While initial sympathy surged after the October 7 attacks, recent polls indicate growing discomfort with the Israeli government’s handling of the war.
A More Nuanced Sympathies for Both Sides
Immediately following the attacks, a majority of Americans leaned toward Israel in the conflict. A year later, however, public opinion is more split. According to a recent AP-NORC/Pearson Institute poll, only 25% of Americans sympathize primarily with Israel, while 15% align more with Palestinians. A significant portion—31%—feels equally sympathetic toward both sides, indicating a more nuanced view of the conflict compared to previous years. This shift has been driven by concerns about the severity of Israel’s response.
Criticism of Israel’s Military Actions Grows
In the immediate aftermath of the Hamas attack, a plurality of Americans believed Israel’s military response was justified. However, as the war continued, attitudes shifted. By late September, 32% of Americans believed Israel’s actions had been too harsh, up from 18% a year prior. Despite this criticism, the majority of Americans still view Hamas as the main instigator of the conflict. Polls show around 60% of the population holds Hamas responsible, while smaller groups also blame Israel and Iran for prolonging the violence.
Divided Opinions on U.S. Military Aid to Israel
The U.S. has sent over $12 billion in military aid to Israel since the October 7 attacks, but American support for this aid has dropped over the past year. In November 2023, 24% of Americans supported increasing military aid to Israel. By September 2024, that number had fallen to 18%. Concurrently, there has been a rise in those who believe the U.S. should send more humanitarian aid to Palestinians, growing from 26% to 32% over the same period.
The decline in support for military aid can be traced to political divisions within the U.S. as well. While some Republicans have fiercely opposed any reduction in military support for Israel, others—particularly those aligned with Donald Trump’s more isolationist stance—are more skeptical about continued involvement. On the Democratic side, there has been internal friction, with progressives criticizing the administration’s response and pushing for a ceasefire and arms embargo against Israel.
The Growing Call for Diplomacy
Despite divided opinions on military aid, Americans continue to favor diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. According to the AP-NORC/Pearson Institute poll, 52% of Americans believe the U.S. should focus on brokering a permanent ceasefire, and 57% want the U.S. to play a role in recovering the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
Polling also shows a growing concern that the war could expand into a broader regional conflict. In September, 50% of Americans expressed concern that the Israel-Hamas war could spread across the Middle East, with 12% believing it already has.
Political Implications for the 2024 Election
The ongoing conflict is playing a significant role in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Former President Donald Trump holds an advantage over Vice President Kamala Harris when it comes to public trust in handling the Israel-Hamas war. Polls suggest that 52% of Americans trust Trump more on this issue, compared to 45% for Harris. However, many Americans remain uncertain about the approaches of both candidates, leaving room for further persuasion.
Trump’s perceived advantage may stem from his time out of office and his self-declared status as the “most pro-Israel president in history.” On the other hand, Harris faces pressure from both progressive and moderate wings of her party, complicating her position as the conflict continues to escalate.
Conclusion
As the war between Israel and Hamas enters its second year, American public opinion has shifted significantly. While sympathy for Israel remains, there is growing discomfort with the harshness of the Israeli response and a clear decline in support for military aid. Many Americans are now looking toward diplomacy as the best path forward, but the political complexities surrounding U.S. involvement in the Middle East continue to influence both domestic and international policy debates.