Axios
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The GOP is souring on Israel
Benjamin Netanyahu is experiencing a significant decline in support among Republicans, including influential figures and younger voters. This shift is largely attributed to his actions during the Gaza conflict and his perceived resistance to ending the Iran war, which strained relations with former President Trump. Trump himself expressed strong disapproval of Netanyahu’s approach, warning of a "divorce" between the US and Israel.Vice President JD Vance has also criticized Israeli officials for opposing the Iran deal, indicating a top-level Republican shift. Prominent "America First" figures like Tucker Carlson have amplified anti-Israel sentiment, accusing Netanyahu of manipulating Trump. This has contributed to a growing divide where support for Israel is becoming a litmus test for the online conservative movement.Antisemitic messages, once on the fringe, are now echoing in younger conservative spaces, with figures attacking mainstream conservatives for their perceived loyalty to Israel. This trend has led to a decrease in ratings for staunch Israel defenders. Pew Research Center data shows a substantial unfavorable view of Israel among Republicans, particularly younger ones.A Quinnipiac poll revealed that one in five Republicans believe the US is too supportive of Israel, a threefold increase since the October 7th attacks. The destruction in Gaza after these attacks particularly caused younger Republicans to reevaluate their stance. While the Republican establishment and evangelical leaders largely remain pro-Israel, polling numbers indicate a concerning trend of declining support.The key question moving forward is how much of this diminished standing is tied to Netanyahu personally versus Israel as a nation. Netanyahu faces a challenging election campaign this fall, which could further clarify the extent of this evolving Republican sentiment.