Despite the almost daily attacks by the Obama administration, the Congressional Black Caucus and other Democrats, America’s perception of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in advance of his speech to a joint session of Congress is as high as it has ever been in this term or in any of his terms as premier. According to Gallup:
Nearly twice as many Americans view Israel’s leader favorably (45%) as unfavorably (24%). Netanyahu’s favorable score is up from 35% in 2012. His current favorable rating ties his highest rating among the six times Gallup has measured it, spanning his three tenures as prime minister.
From 1999 through 2013 Netanyahu’s favorability score hovered around 34-35% and his unfavorables have also been flat: between 20-23% .
As one would expect, the growth in support for Netanyahu is slowest among Democrats who have led the attacks on the prime minister.
In fact just as many Democrats have an unfavorable view of Netanyahu as have a favorable view, but Republicans and independents are much more favorable toward Bibi.
For some reason the Democratic Party has always been seen as slightly more pro-Israel than the GOP. The truth is that both parties have always been pretty equal in their support. However, as the Democratic Party has moved from center-left to radically progressive, its support of Israel has waned. On the other hand, as the Netanyahu has become a leader in the fight against terrorism and America’s president has led a retreat, Republicans and Independents have gravitated toward supporting the Israeli leader.
Cross-posted at The Lid
