A recent poll conducted by Israel’s left-leaning Channel 12 reveals a significant preference among Israelis for former President Donald Trump over current Vice President Kamala Harris in the context of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. According to the findings, 66% of Israeli respondents favor Trump, while only 17% prefer Harris. A notable 17% of those surveyed were undecided. This shift in sentiment highlights the complexities of Israeli opinions regarding American leadership, particularly following a period when Israelis showed greater support for President Joe Biden, especially in the wake of his backing during the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks. The once favorable view of Biden has dissipated, likely due to perceived U.S. efforts to constrain Israeli actions in the ongoing conflict.
The cooling relationship between Israel and the Biden administration can be attributed to policy disagreements, particularly those advocated by Vice President Harris, who has been a vocal proponent of the administration’s positions. Notably, Harris voiced concerns regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, threatening possible repercussions such as an arms embargo, particularly in relation to Israeli operations in Rafah. Despite these warnings, Israel proceeded with its mission, resulting in the eventual elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. This scenario underscores the disconnect that has arisen between U.S. policies and Israeli security interests, leading to growing discontent among Israeli public opinion.
Historically, Trump’s presidency is viewed as one of the most supportive of Israel, aligning with pro-Israel sentiments that resonate deeply within the Israeli populace. His administration’s actions, such as recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, earned him significant praise and a lasting legacy as a pro-Israel president. Trump’s actions have established a benchmark, particularly contrasting with the current administration’s stance, which many Israelis perceive as overly cautious and limiting. This results in a growing preference for leadership that is seen as unequivocally supportive of Israeli interests.
Interestingly, while Trump maintains strong support among Israelis, he has struggled to connect with American Jews, who tend to lean politically liberal. Many American Jews prioritize social issues, such as abortion, over foreign policy, which has put them at odds with Trump’s administration. American Jewish communities often focus on domestic Democratic policies, leading to a divergence in how Israeli and American Jewish sentiments align or contrast with U.S. presidential candidates.
This polling data suggests a fundamental divergence between the priorities of Israeli citizens, both religious and secular, who overwhelmingly prioritize national security. The ongoing threats from groups like Hamas place a premium on strong and decisive leadership that prioritizes Israel’s safety. In an environment marked by conflict, the Israeli public favors leaders who they believe will take aggressive stances against perceived threats, which currently aligns more closely with Trump’s historical record than with the Biden administration’s more restrained approach.
In conclusion, the findings from the Israeli poll reflect a notable preference for Donald Trump over Kamala Harris, influenced by recent U.S. foreign policy and security decisions that have swayed public opinion away from the Biden administration. With a history of strong pro-Israel actions, Trump’s legacy continues to resonate with Israelis, particularly in light of current security concerns. As the political landscape evolves, this may have implications not only for U.S.-Israel relations but also for how American Jews navigate their political alignments in relation to Israeli interests.