Why are people changing their long held opinions on Israel
Executive summary
Public support for Israel has fallen sharply in many countries and demographic groups since the Gaza war began, with polls showing 59% of Americans view the Israeli government unfavorably (Pew) and U.S. approval of Israel’s military action at a record low of 32% in a July Gallup poll [1] [2]. International surveys show a median 62% unfavorable view across 24 countries [3] and Pew found negative views of Israel and Netanyahu in much of the world [4].
1. A visible, measurable shift in public opinion
Multiple reputable polls and cross‑national surveys document a broad decline in sympathy and support for Israel: Pew reports 59% of U.S. adults view the Israeli government unfavorably [1], Gallup records only 32% approval for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza with 60% disapproval [2], and VisualCapitalist’s survey finds a median 62% unfavorable view across 24 countries [3]. These numbers indicate the change is widespread, not limited to isolated audiences.
2. What people say is changing—and why polls track different dimensions
Researchers are measuring distinct attitudes: sympathy for Israelis, approval of Israel’s government, support for specific military actions, and overall favorability. Pew notes sympathy for Israelis hit an all‑time low below 50% in Gallup tracking [5], while Time and Morning Consult documented large global drops after October 2023 tied to reactions to the war’s human costs [6]. Polls therefore capture both moral judgments about conduct and broader geopolitical evaluations [1] [4].
3. The role of the Gaza war and images on public judgments
Reporting and opinion pieces link the shift directly to Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the resulting civilian toll. Commentators argue sustained bombardment and high Palestinian casualties have driven international concern and condemnation, a theme echoed in pieces decrying Israel’s conduct and U.S. support as enabling prolonged operations [6] [7]. These narratives have crystallised into poll shifts showing growing views that Israel is “going too far” [1] [2].
4. Generational and partisan fractures inside countries
Polls show a widening generational and partisan gap. Brookings documents declining support especially among Democrats and young people, with older Democrats also growing critical—leaving older Republicans the most steadfast supporters [8]. Pew and Gallup similarly record shifting partisan views in the U.S., underscoring that the change is altering political coalitions and domestic debates [1] [5].
5. Media ecosystems and narrative competition
Some commentators argue that social media and alternative outlets have exposed audiences to unfiltered images and perspectives, accelerating opinion change [9]. CounterPunch claims social platforms eroded mainstream filters and allowed pro‑Palestinian narratives to spread, while other sources document institutional responses—cultural and sporting boycotts and diplomatic walkouts—that amplify perceptions of international isolation for Israel [9] [10] [11].
6. Diplomatic signaling and concrete repercussions
The shift is visible in international diplomacy and cultural arenas: Next Century Foundation reports walkouts and increased calls for Palestinian recognition at the UN after high‑profile events [10], and Reuters covers broadcaster withdrawals from Eurovision in protest of Israel’s actions [11]. These actions both reflect and reinforce public sentiment documented in surveys [3] [4].
7. Competing narratives and partisan advocacy
Sources present competing explanations. Some outlets and analysts frame the decline as a moral response to civilian suffering and an erosion of uncritical support [6] [7]. Others, particularly pro‑Israel advocates referenced by CounterPunch, argue establishment media and organized campaigns are fighting back to “shift the story,” indicating a contested info‑space [9]. Both dynamics are documented in the reporting.
8. Limitations and open questions in the reporting
Available sources show large shifts but differ on emphasis and causal claims; surveys measure attitudes at moments in time and cannot alone prove long‑term entrenchment [1] [2] [4]. Sources do not offer unanimous causal attribution: some emphasize media and social exposure [9], others point to battlefield events and casualty figures [6]. Available sources do not mention how private donor networks or classified diplomatic exchanges may also be shaping elite opinion beyond public polls.
9. What to watch next
Future indicators to watch include repeated cross‑national polling (Pew, Gallup), government recognitions or diplomatic shifts noted by think tanks [10] [4], and cultural boycotts or institutional decisions that translate public sentiment into policy or soft‑power losses [11] [6]. These will show whether the observed opinion shifts are enduring realignments or reversible short‑term reactions [1] [2].
This account synthesizes polling and commentary in current reporting: the decline in support is measurable and multifaceted, driven by reactions to the Gaza war, generational and partisan realignments, contested media narratives, and visible diplomatic and cultural fallout [1] [2] [9] [11] [4].