Poll finds US support for Israel soaring

An average of 66 percent of Americans rate their feelings toward the Jewish state as "warm" or "very favorable."

By JTA
American public support for Israel in the face of its enemies is at a five-year high, a poll found. A new survey commissioned by the Israel Project showed that an average of 66 percent of Americans rate their feelings toward the Jewish state as "warm" or "very favorable," while 11 percent gave Iran a positive rating. Asked about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, 65 percent of respondents said they support Israel, while 10 percent said they support the Palestinians. About three-quarters of those polled said the United States should not resume sending aid to the Palestinian Authority until the Hamas-led government "ends the culture of hate" and recognizes Israel. Seventy-three percent of Americans believe Islamic extremism is the main source of Middle East instability, compared to 12 percent who blame Israel and its policies. "Support for Israel among American opinion elite has reached its highest level over the last five years, and more than eight of 10 believe that Israel is one of our strongest allies," pollster Neil Newhouse said. The survey had 500 respondents and a margin of error of plus or minus 4.38 percentage points.