Brad Sherman warns of declining U.S. support for Israel

U.S. Representative Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) is warning Israeli leaders and voters that American public opinion regarding Israel has seen a dramatic decline. Sherman urged that recent polling data showing this shift be translated into Hebrew so that Israeli officials and the public can fully grasp the potential consequences.

Sherman noted that the implications extend beyond annual military aid, potentially impacting Israel’s access to U.S. weaponry and essential diplomatic support. He expressed concern that Israeli officials, including Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, may not fully realize the severity of the situation.

The congressman also criticized the Israeli government’s management of its international image, specifically citing insufficient funding for the Foreign Ministry and the presence of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in the cabinet, whom he described as an ‘existential threat.’

Polling data highlighted by CNN indicates a significant shift in favorability. In 2018, Israel’s average net favorability was plus 51 percentage points; more recent data shows a decline, with various polls from Ipsos, Fox News, Marquette Law School, and Pew Research reporting substantial drops in favorable views.