Publications

The partisan divide over Israel in US public opinion has reached unprecedented levels. According to a benchmark survey released earlier this month, only one-third of Democrats compared to over four-fifths of Republicans have a favorable view of Israel. The rapidly expanding gap is the result of several long-term trends: the declining religiosity of the American public, increasing partisan competition across most issues areas, and a growing generational divide in attitudes about Israel. The war launched by Hamas in October 2023 has...

On November 20, 2024, the US Senate rejected three resolutions aimed at limiting the export of offensive weapons to Israel. The resolutions, introduced by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, were based on claims that Israel was failing to meet its obligations under international law in the war in the Gaza Strip. Despite their defeat, the resolutions garnered significant support among progressive Democrats—especially compared to previous similar resolutions—and also received backing from some liberal Jewish organizations. The willingness...

More than a year of war between Israel and its regional enemies has put the US–Israel alliance under the spotlight. While the United States has provided Israel diplomatic support and more than $22 billion in military aid, the Biden administration and the Netanyahu-led government have repeatedly clashed on issues such as proportionality, humanitarian aid, and adherence to international law. Younger and liberal Americans have become more critical of Israel, and many Israelis have questioned the role of the United States as a limiting...

Donald Trump has been elected president of the United States after a fierce campaign, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. His return to the White House follows significant internal tensions in the United States, including concerns about immigration, inflation, and crime. Trump will likely focus initially on domestic issues, especially the crisis on the southern border. During his previous term, he won over Israelis through his support for the Abraham Accords, recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and the...

Last year, as the Israel-Hamas war unfolded, pro-Palestinian protests, encampments, building occupations, and votes on Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) resolutions spread across hundreds of US university campuses. Over the last several weeks, three major studies timed for the start of the academic year provide the first systematic evidence of the breadth and impact of the protest movement. Protesters achieved some, but not all, of their aims and created an environment that many Jewish students perceived as hostile. Still, the...

When Prime Minister Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress on July 24, he will also be addressing the American Jewish community. This article describes American Jewish attitudes about the Israel-Hamas war, the Israeli government and the upcoming US elections. It shows that although American Jews strongly supported Israel throughout the war, they had many serious criticisms of the “full right” government prior to October 7. It also shows that most will support the Democratic nominee in the US presidential election in...