New poll shows US support for Israel dropped five percent last year

Americans’ support for Israel has nosedived to its lowest level since the 2008-9 war in Gaza while support for the Palestinian cause is at its highest since 2001, according to an annual Gallup poll.

Findings published on Wednesday show support for Israel among US residents dropped five percent last year, with a particular fall from favour among Republicans, whereas Democratic support slid from 49 to 43 percent.

Three times more Americans still side with Israelis over the Palestinians – roughly 59 percent compared to 21 percent – but sympathy for the Palestinian cause is at a generational high, and differences are narrowing. Among those who describe themselves as liberal, only three percent more Americans say their sympathies lie with Israel over Palestine.

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The findings follow controversy last month when Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar appeared to suggest that money spent by pro-Israel lobbying organisations was fuelling American politicians’ support for the state.

President Donald Trump called her comments “terrible” as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo prepared to fly out to Israel ahead of elections to support under-fire PM Benjamin Netanyahu.