WASHINGTON: U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has said that Israel is losing the battle for public opinion in the United States, describing it as “a simple and obvious fact.”
Speaking during an interview with American podcaster Joe Rogan, Vance said that while Israel remains a close ally of the United States, it also seeks to influence American politics.
“Israel is an ally of the United States,” Vance said, adding that the country “certainly tries to influence American politics.”
When asked whether Israel attempts to shape U.S. political decisions, the vice president replied, “Yes, Israel is certainly more effective in that regard.”
Vance’s remarks come amid growing debate in the United States over Washington’s relationship with Israel and public attitudes toward the conflict in the Middle East.
Referring to public opinion, the vice president stated that Israel is losing support among the American public, calling the trend straightforward and increasingly evident.
His comments coincide with recent opinion polls indicating a decline in favorable views of Israel among Americans.
According to a survey cited by U.S. media and conducted in March, only 32 percent of Americans expressed a favorable opinion of Israel, while 39 percent said they held an unfavorable view.
The survey suggests a notable shift in public sentiment compared with previous years, reflecting changing attitudes toward Israel among various segments of the U.S. population.
The decline in support was reported to be most pronounced among Democratic Party supporters and independent voters. According to the survey, support for Israel among these groups has fallen significantly since 2013, declining from 34 percent to 17 percent.
The findings also indicate that younger Americans are increasingly critical of Israel. Polling data cited in the report suggests that negative perceptions of Israel have grown more common among younger generations, a trend that analysts say could influence future political discourse in the United States.
Public opinion regarding U.S. policy toward Israel has become an increasingly prominent issue in American politics, particularly in the context of ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Lawmakers from both major political parties have expressed differing views on the extent of U.S. support for Israel, while public demonstrations and debates have continued across the country.
Vance’s remarks are likely to draw attention given his position as vice president and because they touch on two politically sensitive issues: public support for Israel and the role of foreign allies in influencing U.S. politics.
Neither the White House nor Israeli officials immediately issued a public response to the comments.
The latest polling figures, together with the vice president’s observations, highlight the ongoing debate over U.S.-Israel relations and the changing views of the American public, particularly among younger voters and political independents. Analysts say these shifts may have implications for future foreign policy discussions and domestic political campaigns in the United States.
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