President Joe Biden initially expressed solidarity with Israel after the October 7 Hamas attacks, but six months later, American voters are increasingly dissatisfied with his handling of the Gaza crisis. Polling for Newsweek conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies has shown a sharp increase in disapproval of Biden’s actions in the aftermath of the attacks. Experts believe that Biden’s stance on Israel could be a challenging issue for him to address on the presidential campaign trail, although some analysts argue that it may not have a significant impact on the election outcome.
Despite initially receiving modest approval ratings for his handling of the situation in Israel, Biden’s approval has since dropped significantly as the conflict between Israel and Gaza has continued to escalate. The approval ratings have plummeted due to Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza, resulting in a high number of Palestinian casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis. While Biden announced plans to provide aid to Gaza, the move has not improved voters’ perceptions of his handling of the crisis. Many voters remain critical of Biden’s role in the situation, with a considerable percentage holding him responsible for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Younger voters, particularly Generation Z and millennials, have expressed anger and blame towards Biden for the humanitarian situation in Gaza. These demographic groups are more likely to fault Biden than to hold Hamas or Israeli authorities responsible for the crisis. The divisive nature of the conflict has led to differing opinions among voters, with many perceiving the Biden administration as complicit in what they view as a genocide in Gaza. Biden has faced criticism for his handling of the situation, with some voters questioning his support for Israel and his efforts to address the humanitarian crisis.
The Biden administration’s stance on Israel has faced scrutiny, with some experts highlighting the challenges Biden may encounter in explaining his support for Israel to his base. Public criticism of Israel’s actions, coupled with ongoing U.S. support for the country, has created a complex political situation for Biden. While Biden’s patience with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be waning, it remains to be seen how this dynamic will influence American voters. The Israel issue has the potential to impact the presidential election, especially in swing states where a few thousand votes could sway the outcome.
While the Israel issue presents challenges for Biden, some political analysts argue that it may not be a decisive factor in the upcoming election. Issues such as immigration, inflation, and the economy are likely to dominate voters’ concerns, overshadowing the Israel-Gaza conflict. Despite the importance of addressing foreign policy matters, American voters are primarily focused on domestic issues that directly impact their lives. Ultimately, the outcome of the election may hinge on how effectively Biden addresses these key concerns and mobilizes his base to support his administration’s policies.
