Americans favor ‘Palestine,’ but slightly less than before

Democrats back Palestinian state 52-29%, Republicans oppose it 48-33%

By JTA 25 February 2015, 2:00 am

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US President Barack Obama (right) greets Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during their bilateral meeting at UN headquarters, September 24, 2013. (AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Slightly more Americans favor the establishment of an independent Palestinian state than those opposed, a new poll found.

Forty-two percent of the 837 Americans surveyed by Gallup backed a state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, while 38 percent were against one, according to the poll released Tuesday. Some 20 percent had no opinion on the issue.

The percentage in favor of a state was down slightly from 46 percent a year ago and among the lowest levels since 2000.

Most demographic subgroups of Americans, such as men, women, whites, nonwhites and various age groups, were more likely to support a Palestinian state. However, those aged 55 and older did not follow the trend, with 43 percent opposed to a state and 41 percent in favor.

Democrats backed a state, 52 percent to 29 percent, but 48 percent of Republicans were opposed compared to 33 percent in favor.

The poll, which was conducted Feb. 8-15, was based on a random telephone and cellphone sample of respondents. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.