Majority of US public opposes Netanyahu speech

A CNN survey found that most of the American public opposes Netanyahu’s speech at the US Congress, and objects to the US’s involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A majority of the US public opposes the speech Photo Credit: AP / Channel 2 News

A survey published last night (Tue) by CNN shows that the majority of the American public opposes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the US Congress. 63% of those asked deemed the Republican’s decision to invite Netanyahu “a big mistake”, as opposed to 33% who responded that they found no fault in inviting the Israeli Prime Minister without informing the Obama administration.Even within the Republican supporter base, the survey found wide criticism against the move taken by the party leaders in Congress, as only 52% of Republican respondents approved of inviting Netanyahu to speak in front of the US Congress. 14% of Democratic respondents, and a third of respondents who did not identify themselves as either Republicans or Democratic.

Should have updated Obama Photo Credit: AP / Channel 2 News

Survey respondents were also asked to answer questions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The data collected shows that the majority of the American public would rather the US cease its involvement in the conflict. 66% of respondents wished the US would take a more neutral stance regarding the conflict, while 29% expressed support of Israel, and only 2% support of Palestinians.

Amongst Republicans, who are traditionally considered enthusiastic supporters of Israel, 49% in fact expressed their support of Israel, but 47% thought the US should cease its involvement in the conflict.

The survey results reinforce the apparent long-term trend whereby the American public is becoming indifferent to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While 56% of respondents over 50 supported a neutral approach to the conflict, support of a neutral approach skyrocketed to 75% amongst respondents under the age of 50.