U.S. Still has Israel’s Back

Americans still support Israel’s right of self-defense.  By 61 percent, Americans lean more toward Israeli interest than the Palestinians (19%).  But, one-half say (51%) they support an independent Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank.

Partisanship affects views on Israel, with Democrats most likely to advocate maintaining current support level (55%), but Republicans suggesting the U.S. is not supportive enough (46%).  Very few Democrats advocate higher levels of support (9%). 

The public is concerned about the future of American interests in the aftermath of the Arab Spring.  Americans generally want to reduce or not add to Mideast engagement.

• They favor withdrawal from Afghanistan
•  Have little interest in jumping into the Syrian conflict
•  They want a firm stand on Iran, but would like to avoid war

Although there is some partisan divide, generally after two wars in the last decade, Americans are ready to go slow on new engagements.