Survey reveals growing divide between Israeli and American Jews over Gaza war, politics

A new survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) reveals a deepening rift between Israeli and American Jews over Israel’s war in Gaza and its broader security policy, including the recent campaign against Iran’s nuclear program.

According to JPPI’s “Voice of the Jewish People” Index, 45% of American Jews say Israel is too aggressive in Gaza. Among those identifying as “very liberal,” 44% agree with accusations that Israel is committing genocide — an assertion widely rejected in Israel. In contrast, 70% of Jewish Trump voters say Israel is not aggressive enough.

While 54% of Israeli Jews believe Israel is winning the Gaza war, only a third of US Jews agree, the report says. Similarly, Israelis overwhelmingly rate the Iran operation as a success, while just 7% of American Jews gave it the highest possible rating.

Trust in US President Donald Trump on Israel-related matters has increased among American Jews, with 57% now expressing at least some trust, including 35% of those who voted for former vice president Kamala Harris in November, the survey found.

In New York, nearly 70% of American Jews oppose the candidacy of Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, and 61% view him as both anti-Israel and antisemitic, the survey finds.

“The survey shows that even among American Jews – who are generally predisposed to support Israel – the country is failing to explain and justify its positions effectively,” says JPPI director general Dr. Shuki Friedman.