American Views of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: A Pew Research Center Analysis

The confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among Americans has shifted significantly, with a majority expressing little to no confidence in him, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. The survey, conducted in April 2024, found that 53% of Americans have little or no confidence in Netanyahu to do the right thing regarding world affairs, with 25% having no confidence in him at all.

This marks an 11-percentage point increase since 2023, with a notable 8-point increase in the share of Americans who have no confidence in Netanyahu at all. The shift in attitudes is linked to a decrease in the number of Americans who had never heard of Netanyahu, dropping from 26% in 2023 to 15% in 2024.

The survey also revealed differences in views of Netanyahu based on party affiliation and age. Republicans and Republican-leaning independents were more likely to have positive views of Netanyahu, with 51% expressing at least some confidence in him, compared to only 13% of Democrats. Older Americans were also more likely to have positive views of Netanyahu, with 42% of those aged 50 and older expressing confidence in him, compared to 13% of adults under 30.

The survey also examined Americans’ views of the Israeli government, which have also turned more negative since 2022. About 41% of Americans have a favorable view of the Israeli government, down from 47% in 2022. Republicans were more likely to have favorable views of the Israeli government compared to Democrats, and older Americans had more positive views than younger ones.

Overall, the survey highlights a shift in American attitudes towards Netanyahu and the Israeli government, with a majority expressing little to no confidence in Netanyahu and a decrease in favorable views of the Israeli government.