By Riffat Kausar, International Correspondent for SNN News Finland NEW YORK
Americans have turned against Israel in a dramatic shift unseen in modern polling, CNN Chief Data Analyst Harry Enten revealed Friday, citing a 67-point collapse in the country’s net favorability rating over just eight years.
How the 67-point swing against Israel unfolded
Israel’s net favorability stood at plus 51 points during Donald Trump’s first term in 2018, according to Enten’s aggregate of major polls. It now sits at minus 16 a swing of 67 points in less than a decade.
Enten called the trend “generational” and said the numbers appeared across multiple polling organisations, including Ipsos (minus 10), Fox News (minus 11), Marquette University Law School (minus 20), and Pew Research Center (minus 23).
“These are some absolutely huge, mammoth changes, generational changes that we’re talking about,” Enten said during an appearance on CNN News Central with anchor John Berman.
It is no longer just a Democratic issue
Enten stressed that the shift in Americans turning against Israel goes beyond the Democratic base. “We’re not just talking about the Democratic base anymore. We’re talking about the general electorate as well,” he said. He warned that Republicans counting on pro-Israel sentiment in the general election may be misreading the public mood.
The discussion followed a House vote in which 100 Democrats opposed a military assistance package for Israel a number that would have been politically unthinkable a decade ago.
Key facts
- Israel’s net favorability: plus 51 in 2018, minus 16 today a 67-point drop.
- Polling sources showing negative ratings: Ipsos, Fox News, Marquette, Pew Research Center, and Gallup.
- 55% of Americans support reducing or ending military assistance to Israel, per Washington Post/Ipsos polling.
- 100 House Democrats voted against a military aid package for Israel in a recent vote.
FAQ
What is the 67-point swing against Israel?
It refers to Israel’s net favorability among Americans dropping from plus 51 in 2018 to minus 16 today a shift of 67 points tracked by CNN analyst Harry Enten.
Is opposition to Israel only among Democrats?
No. Enten said the general electorate across party lines has turned against Israel, not just the Democratic base.
What do Americans think about military aid to Israel?
A Washington Post/Ipsos poll found 55% of Americans support reducing or ending US military assistance to Israel.
What is driving the shift?
Analysts point to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, civilian casualties, and the 2026 Iran conflict as key factors.
What does this mean politically?
Enten suggested it poses a risk for Republicans who have relied on pro-Israel positions as a general election asset.
What is driving Americans to turn against Israel
Enten attributed the shift to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, as well as the ongoing conflict with Iran that escalated in 2026. He said: “Israel is now seen negatively. And we’re seeing it in poll after poll after poll.”
The broader geopolitical context includes US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February 2026 and subsequent Iranian retaliatory missile attacks on Israel a conflict that has intensified public debate in the United States over Washington’s military support.
The shift in American public opinion on Israel comes as the ICC’s arrest warrants against Netanyahu remain legally active read our full coverage of the ICC prosecutor’s removal for the latest on international accountability efforts.
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