Poll: Most Americans Oppose Sending Troops to Defend Israel

A recent poll conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs has revealed a significant shift in American public opinion regarding military support for Israel. For the first time since the survey began in 2010, a majority of Americans now oppose sending U.S. troops to defend Israel if it comes under attack by its neighbors.

The poll, conducted from June 21 to July 1, 2023, found that 55% of Americans opposed such military intervention, while 41% supported it. This marks a notable change from previous years, where support for sending troops had consistently been above 45%. In fact, support reached its peak in 2015, 2018, and 2021, with 53% of Americans favoring military assistance.

This shift in public opinion comes at a time when Israel faces various security challenges. These include potential retaliation from Iran following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, and ongoing tensions along the northern border with Lebanon.

The survey results also revealed partisan differences, with 55% of Republicans supporting troop deployment, compared to only 35% of Democrats and independents. This divide reflects the complex nature of U.S.-Israel relations, which have been a cornerstone of American foreign policy for decades.

Despite the lack of a formal defense pact, the United States and Israel have maintained a strong strategic partnership. Israel receives approximately $3 billion in U.S. foreign military financing annually, and the two countries have collaborated on various defense projects, including the Iron Dome missile defense system.

The poll's findings align with other recent surveys indicating a decline in American support for Israel's military actions in Gaza. A Gallup poll released in March 2024 found that 55% of Americans disapproved of Israel's military operation, while only 36% approved.

This shift in public sentiment comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 39,653 Palestinians have been killed as of July 2023, with the majority reported to be women and children.

"No U.S. boots will be on the ground in Gaza as part of the operation."

The U.S. government has been careful to emphasize its limited military involvement in the region. When constructing a pier off the Gaza coast to facilitate aid delivery, the Biden administration made it clear that no American troops would be deployed on the ground in Gaza.

As negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue through intermediaries, including the United States and Qatar, the international community watches closely. The recent assassination of Haniyeh may have complicated these talks, but efforts to reach a deal that would end the war and secure the release of hostages persist.

This evolving public opinion presents a challenge for U.S. policymakers as they navigate the complex landscape of Middle East diplomacy and security. As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen how this shift in American sentiment will impact future U.S. policy decisions regarding military support for Israel.