A recent poll has revealed that over 60% of US voters are in favor of a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, while only 11% of lawmakers support such a move. The survey conducted by Data for Progress, a progressive US think tank, highlights a significant disparity between the views of the American public and their elected representatives on the issue.
According to the poll, 61% of likely US voters expressed their support for a permanent ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in the war-torn region. The conflict, which has claimed the lives of more than 16,000 people since October 7, has sparked concerns among respondents regarding the increase in hate towards Jewish communities, Arabs, and Muslims in the US.
Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who is the only Palestinian-American member of Congress, raised questions about the lack of alignment between the government and the public’s views. Tlaib noted that only 11% of Congress has called for a ceasefire, despite 76% of Democrat voters supporting such a move. The survey also revealed that 57% of Independents and 49% of Republicans backed a permanent ceasefire.
Tlaib, who was censured by the US House of Representatives on November 7, criticized the White House for labeling the lawmakers who demanded a ceasefire early in the war as “repugnant.” The Data for Progress survey, which polled over 1,000 likely US voters in late November, shed light on the concerns of respondents regarding the rise in hate towards various communities since the start of the conflict.
In response to the ongoing war, the US House recently passed a measure equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. Palestinian rights advocates have denounced this move as “dangerous,” arguing that it seeks to curb free speech and divert attention from the actual conflict.
When asked about the US government’s foreign policy approach to the crisis, approximately 50% of poll respondents mentioned diplomatic efforts as a priority, while 30% emphasized the importance of humanitarian assistance. Surprisingly, only 24% of voters supported sending additional military aid and weapons to Israel, and a mere 11% felt that sending US troops to assist Israeli forces in Gaza should be a priority.
While the US government has provided billions in military support to Israel and has allocated additional taxpayer money since the war began, the Biden administration recently announced visa restrictions on “extremist” Israeli settlers involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the occupied West Bank. However, critics argue that this move falls short, as many settlers hold dual citizenship and do not require a visa to enter the US.
A previous Gallup poll conducted last month revealed that 45% of Americans disapproved of Israel’s military action in Gaza. Furthermore, 63% of Democrats, 64% of people of color, and 67% of young people aged 18-34 opposed the war. The same poll indicated that only 32% of Americans approved of President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas situation.
As the Israel-Gaza war continues, it remains evident that there is a significant gap between the views of the American public and their elected representatives. The disparity raises questions about the effectiveness of democratic representation and the alignment of government policies with the will of the people.
