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 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:

*Eighty-six percent of those surveyed described themselves as pro-Israel, while 65 percent of them said they were pro-Israel while critical of some or many Israeli government policies.

*Seventy-one percent viewed Israel favourably, compared with 25 percent who viewed it unfavourably.

*Sixty-one percent viewed Netanyahu unfavourably and 34 percent favourably; 67 percent wanted to see him replaced in Israel’s upcoming election.

US military aid

Fifty-two percent favoured either cutting or ending the aid to Israel, including 36 percent who supported reducing it and 17 percent who favoured eliminating the $3.3 billion in military assistance. Forty 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 organisation favourably and 35 percent unfavourably, with 24 percent unsure.