Poll: Biden’s Support for Israel Sparks Democratic Anger

Watan-A recent poll by Reuters and Ipsos revealed that a majority of Democrats prefer a presidential candidate who does not advocate for providing military aid to Israel. The poll also indicated a similar level of support for both Democratic President Joe Biden and former Republican President Donald Trump leading up to the November elections.

During the three-day survey, which concluded yesterday, 56% of Democratic respondents expressed a preference for a candidate who opposes sending military aid to Israel, while 40% favored a candidate who supports such aid. The poll highlighted a notable disparity in approval ratings for Biden, who has faced criticism from some within his party for his supportive stance toward Israel in its conflict with Hamas.

Approval ratings for both Biden and his potential Republican opponent Trump were tied at 36% each in the survey, with the remaining participants either undecided, planning to vote for another candidate, or intending to abstain from voting altogether.

Biden’s outspoken support for Israel and his rejection of the idea of tying military aid to changes in its military strategy have generated discontent within his party. On Tuesday, over a hundred thousand participants in the Democratic primary elections in Michigan opted for the “uncommitted” option in protest against Biden’s support for the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.

The conflict in Gaza began when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel on October 7th, resulting in the deaths of 1200 people and the capture of 253 hostages, according to Israeli statistics. In response, Israel conducted military operations that led to the deaths of 30,000 Palestinians.

A growing minority of Democrats hold the Israeli government responsible for the war on Gaza, while the United States has long pressed Israel to permit the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The percentage of Democrats blaming Israel rose to 22% compared to 13% in a poll conducted in November. A significant majority of Democrats expressed a desire for a presidential candidate who advocates for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Approximately 46% of Democrats in the Reuters/Ipsos poll attributed blame to Hamas, down from 54% in the November poll.

While Biden aims to strike a balance between his support for Israel and his calls for the Israeli military to take greater precautions to avoid civilian casualties, Trump openly backs Israel, aligning with the views of many Republicans.

Roughly 62% of Republicans surveyed prefer a presidential candidate who supports providing military aid to Israel, while 34% do not hold this position.