Poll: US Jewish voters concerned Netanyahu policies fueling antisemitism

A majority of American Jewish voters say they are deeply concerned that Israel’s actions under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have contributed to rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the United States, even as an overwhelming majority continue to identify as pro-Israel, according to a new poll released this week.

The survey, conducted by the Mellman Group for the Jewish Electorate Institute and published on Thursday, found that 56 percent of respondents had a “great deal” of concern that “Israel’s actions under Netanyahu have increased antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the US”.

The view varied sharply by political affiliation, with 65 percent of Jewish Democrats expressing a high level of concern, compared with 46 percent of independents and 34 percent of Republicans.

Other Findings:

•    86 percent of those surveyed described themselves as pro-Israel, while 65 percent said they were pro-Israel but critical of some or many Israeli government policies. 

•    71 percent viewed Israel favourably, compared with 25 percent who viewed it unfavourably.

•    61 percent viewed Netanyahu unfavourably and 34 percent favourably; 67 percent wanted to see him replaced in Israel’s upcoming election.

US military aid

Of those surveyed, 52 percent favoured either cutting or ending US aid to Israel, including 36 percent who supported reducing it and 17 percent who favoured eliminating the $3.3bn in military assistance. Meanwhile, 40 percent wanted funding maintained at its current level.

Views of AIPAC and primary spending

Fifty-one percent said they had heard at least something about pro-Israel involvement in this year’s primary races, up from 38 percent in March. Thirty-nine percent supported such activity, while 35 percent opposed it and 26 percent were unsure.

Forty-two percent viewed the pro-Israel group AIPAC favourably and 35 percent unfavourably, with 24 percent unsure.