Tensions between Israel and the United States have reached a notably low point, reflecting a deepening crisis in their longstanding strategic partnership. Observers have highlighted that policies and actions under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government have increasingly strained relations with Israel’s most critical ally, even amid a generally sympathetic U.S. administration.
This deterioration was apparent during President Joe Biden’s tenure and appears to have intensified recently. Former President Donald Trump, once a vocal supporter of Israel who notably relocated the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, now acknowledges a marked decline in American public support for Israel. Polling data show that favorable attitudes toward Israel have dropped sharply, particularly among younger Americans.
The decline in bilateral relations is linked in part to Netanyahu’s approach to U.S. politics and broader regional issues. His speech to the U.S. Congress during the Obama administration, seen as a rebuke of the then-president’s Iran policy, and his open support for Trump and the Republican Party have alienated many Democrats, contributing to a collapse of Israel’s standing within that segment of the American electorate.
More recently, the inclusion of hardline figures such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich in the Israeli government, along with the handling of conflicts involving Palestinians, has exacerbated concerns. Increased settler violence, harm to Palestinian and Christian communities in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, and the indirect effects of regional conflicts—such as rising global gas prices linked to potential war with Iran—have further damaged Israel’s image internationally, including among its traditional supporters.
U.S. public opinion polls in recent months reveal an unprecedented drop in positive perceptions of Israel. This trend is widely attributed to what critics describe as the reckless and confrontational policies of the current Israeli government. Some analysts hold Netanyahu personally responsible for the sustained deterioration in perceptions, cautioning that the long-term implications pose risks to Israeli national security and the future of U.S.-Israel relations.
Despite these challenges, Netanyahu’s recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly emphasized Israel's enduring alliances and strategic position but was met with skepticism by some observers. They argue that such rhetoric does not address the underlying shifts in American public opinion, which remain critical to understanding the evolving dynamics between the two countries.
Calls have been made within Israel for greater transparency regarding public sentiment in the United States, urging media outlets to contextualize official statements with data on American attitudes toward Israel. This, advocates say, is essential for Israelis to grasp the extent of the diplomatic challenges and their potential consequences.