US poll: Support for Israel highest in decades

Recent survey reflects highest percentages since 1st Gulf War – 64% support for Israel among Americans, versus a mere 12% for the Palestinians

By Ynet

 

According to a Gallup survey released Friday, 64% of Americans sympathize with Israelis, versus 12% who sympathize with the Palestinians and 23% who said they did not support either.

Israelis prepare for Obama's visit - Photo:  AFP

Israelis prepare for Obama’s visit – Photo: AFP

Support for Israel has been exceeding 60% for the last three years, but the recent poll sees the highest percentage in the last 22 years.

The last time that 64% of Americans expressed their support for Israelis was in 1991, during the Gulf War.

The recent survey, conducted in February, showed that as in previous polls, sympathy for Israel is much more prevalent among Republicans (78%) than it is among Democrats (55%).

In the group of people between the ages of 18 and 34, sympathy rates are 55%, rising to 65% among Americans between the ages of 35 and 54, and as for those 55 and older support for Israel stands at 71%. Support rates for the Palestinians were at 12% for all age groups.

Though the survey showed that support for Israel is more widespread among older Americans, it indicated an increase in the support for the Palestinians among those with formal education. Among people with no college education, support for the Palestinians was at 8%, compared to 20% among postgraduates.

US President Barack Obama is expected to visit Israel and the region next week.

 

View original Ynet publication at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4356990,00.html