President Biden’s handling of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict is drawing sharp criticism from American voters, with a new poll revealing a significant majority disapproving of his approach. According to a New York Times/Siena College survey released Tuesday, only 33% of voters approve of Biden’s Israel policy, while a striking 57% disapprove.
This sentiment mirrors the broader American public’s divided stance on the conflict itself. The poll shows that roughly 45% of voters believe the U.S. should be more supportive of Israel, while 34% think the U.S. should be more supportive of Palestinians.
However, not all disapproval of Biden’s handling is rooted in the same concerns. Notably, the poll reveals a split within the group of voters who disapprove. While 35% believe the U.S. is too supportive of Israel, 28% feel the U.S. is not supportive enough of the Palestinians.
Analysts offer various interpretations of these findings. Some suggest the high disapproval rate reflects broader dissatisfaction with Biden’s foreign policy performance in general, while others argue it specifically exposes the challenges he faces in navigating the complex and emotionally charged Israel-Palestine conflict.
The poll results present a significant challenge for the Biden administration as it seeks to manage U.S. relations with both Israel and the Palestinians. Finding common ground between the divergent views within the American public and navigating the intricate dynamics of the conflict will undoubtedly require astute political maneuvering in the months and years to come.
