American Support For Israel Remains Solid
By Andrew L. Rosenkranz, ADL Florida Regional Director
and Barry S. Berg, Florida Regional Chair
This article originally appeared in Florida Jewish Journal on
November 11, 2009
Americans are often caught in the crossfire of propaganda about the situation in the Middle East, promulgated by countless media sources. Time and again, this constant barrage of information escalates into an emotionally charged war of words and penetrating imagery that shape enduring opinions and impressions of the perceived "reality" of the Middle East.
As the State of Israel and its regional neighbors are confronted by a spectrum of challenging issues, it is comforting to learn that on the home front, Americans' support for Israel remains solid. Moreover, our support for action to prevent the Iranian nuclear threat is growing substantially. This encouraging news is extracted from a recent survey conducted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) titled, "2009 Survey of American Attitudes on Israel, the Palestinians and Prospects for Peace in the Middle East."
According to ADL's survey, 67 percent of Americans recognize Israel as a strong and loyal U.S. ally — the highest figure in recent years. Further, Americans are skeptical about "peace dividends" that would be achieved if Israel halted all settlement construction. In fact, 53 percent of Americans believe Arab leaders will continue to refuse to recognize Israel's right to exist, even if Israel freezes settlement construction. Only 25 percent of Americans believe that the Palestinians would be prepared to realize a complete resolution of the conflict if Israel stopped further settlement activity.
By a 3:1 ratio, the American people express more sympathy with Israel than with the Palestinians. And while Americans are generally supportive of the creation of a Palestinian state, 56 percent believe that conditions for the establishment of a Palestinian state should include the Palestinians exhibiting a commitment to the cessation of violence and acceptance of Israel's legitimacy.
One of the survey's significant findings reveals a shift concerning Americans' attitudes toward the Iranian nuclear threat. The survey shows a noteworthy increase in Americans' support for U.S. or Israeli military options against Iran as a last resort in confronting Iran's nuclear threat and oppressive policies. Up from 47 percent in 2007, this change marks the first time that a majority of Americans, 54 percent, support this option. Furthermore, in 2007, 50 percent of Americans saw Iran as an immediate or short-term security threat to the Middle East. Today, this figure has increased to 63 percent.
During this critical time for the State of Israel where volatility is the norm, it is reassuring to know that the majority of Americans support Israel's people and policies in their struggle to achieve peace. After all, both Americans and Israelis cherish their shared values of democracy and freedom.
Hopefully, the voice of the American people will continue to be factored into U.S. policies formulated regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Iranian nuclear threat as the United States continues its diplomatic outreach in the Middle East.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
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