Declining Confidence in Netanyahu Among Americans
Harry Enten, a senior data analyst at CNN, reported on Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval ratings in the U.S. are dropping. By 2026, 59% of Americans expressed a lack of confidence in his handling of global affairs, a significant rise from 42% in 2023, based on a study from Pew Research Center. This declining trust coincides with widespread disapproval of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Enten noted, “In 2023, people lacking confidence in Netanyahu stood at 42%. Now it’s skyrocketed to 59%. That’s nearly a 20-point shift in just three years.” He emphasized that this trend is evident across the American public, not merely among Democratic voters. “We’re talking about nearly 60% now, reflecting a sizable portion of the population.”
Among Democrats, 81% of older voters and 73% of younger ones indicated they do not trust Netanyahu on international matters. Interestingly, discontent is even more pronounced among younger Republicans; the survey revealed that 58% of Republicans aged 18 to 49 expressed dissatisfaction with Netanyahu, contrasting with just 30% of those over 50.
Enten pointed out the notable generational gap within the Republican Party regarding views on Netanyahu, suggesting that this could lead to shifts ahead of the 2028 primary season, particularly concerning U.S.-Israel relations.
In a recent interview with “60 Minutes,” Netanyahu remarked that the conflict with Iran is “not over yet.” He mentioned that former President Trump expressed a desire to eliminate Iran’s enriched uranium supply. Netanyahu also mentioned aspirations for Israel to eventually end U.S. military aid over the next decade.
Surveys, including those by Ipsos, indicate that a majority of Americans oppose military action against Iran. A May 6 poll found that 58% of respondents were against military conflict, while a previous poll from March showed 60% opposition to war. Reports suggest that Netanyahu and Israeli officials sought to persuade Trump of the necessity for military action during a White House meeting in February, which the State Department later confirmed, leading to U.S. involvement in the conflict on behalf of Israel.
