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Gallup: Support for Israel Much Higher Among Republicans than Democrats

9:36 AM, Feb 26, 2010 • By DANIEL HALPER
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A recent Gallup poll, surveying American attitudes toward Israel, provides fascinating results: 

For the first time since 1991, more than 6 in 10 Americans -- 63% -- say their sympathies in the Middle East situation lie more with the Israelis than with the Palestinians. 

In 1991, when Saddam lobbed 29 scud missiles into Israel, 64 percent of Americans--a statistical tie--were sympathetic to Israel. Given the fact that Israel has had relative--relative only for Israel--peace this last year, it's stunning that Americans are so enthusiastic about the only democracy in the Middle East.

Gallup provides some more striking numbers on support for Israel by party: 

Over the last five years, support for Israel has increased slightly among Republicans (rising from about 77% for each of the past several years to 85% today) and independents, but has stayed roughly the same among Democrats. 

Democratic support for Israel clocked in at 48 percent. 

It's worrisome that the support for Israel is trending toward partisanship, but it's a relief to see that American support overall is at a near record high.

More by Daniel Halper

Article TAGS:

Barack Obama, Israel, polling

 

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