US Support for Israel Plummets to 30% as Trump Criticizes Qatar Strike
Democratic strategist reveals polling showing 60% of Americans disapprove of Gaza military operations amid diplomatic fallout
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American support for Israel's military activities in Gaza has declined dramatically, with only 30% of Americans approving while 60% disapprove, according to polling data revealed as President Donald Trump criticized Israel's strike on Qatar as a diplomatic misstep.
The stark polling numbers, disclosed by Democratic lobbyist Nathan Daschle during an AM Agenda interview, underscore growing American unease with Israel's conduct in the Middle East conflict, even as the administration navigates complex diplomatic relationships in the region.
"One month ago, there was a poll on American support for Israel's military activities in Gaza. 60% of Americans disapproved, only 30% approved," said Daschle, CEO of the DB3 by Daschle Group, during the television interview discussing Israel's overnight strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar's capital Doha.
The revelation comes as Trump expressed disappointment with Israel's decision to launch the attack without prior consultation with Washington, marking a potential shift in the traditionally strong US-Israel relationship.
"Donald Trump has been one of the strongest supporters of Israel for him to be disappointed. And honestly for them to not even tell him about this ahead of time was, I think it was a horrible political move and a horrible diplomatic move between the two countries," Daschle said.
Trump Backs Qatar After Strike
The diplomatic tensions escalated when Trump spoke directly with Qatar following the attack, offering US support to the Gulf nation that serves as a key American ally and hosts the largest US military base in the region.
"Donald Trump talked to Qatar today and said that the United States will support them," Daschle revealed, highlighting how Israel's unilateral action may have inadvertently strengthened US-Qatari relations.
The strike targeted Hamas leadership while they were in Doha working on ceasefire proposals, potentially derailing peace negotiations that Qatar has been mediating alongside the United States and Egypt.
Daschle suggested Israel's failure to coordinate with Washington may have backfired diplomatically.
"By not involving the United States, Israel in some ways actually reinforced the U.S.-Qatari relationship," he said.
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Bipartisan Erosion of Support
The polling data reveals a significant shift in American public opinion that crosses traditional party lines, according to Daschle's analysis.
"Support is already eroding, and it's eroding in both parties," he said, predicting the Qatar attack would further damage Israel's standing with the American public.
"I think this attack on Qatar is only going to further erode that," Daschle said, warning of potential policy implications despite the administration's current stance.
While acknowledging that dramatic policy shifts like recognizing Palestine or withdrawing weapons support remain unlikely, Daschle suggested such moves became more probable following the Qatar incident.
"While it's probably unlikely the United States will do the things that you just mentioned, nevertheless, they're more likely to do them because of today," he said.
Political Implications for Democrats
The shifting public opinion may provide political relief for Democrats who have struggled to navigate the complex relationship between supporting Israel while addressing concerns about Palestinian casualties in Gaza.
"Democrats have had a very difficult time navigating the line between Israel and Gaza," Daschle explained. "There's some of the left who want to support Palestine. And then, of course, you know, Israel has been a long time... Democrat Party has a long time supported Israel."
The declining support for Israeli military actions could ease political pressure on Democratic lawmakers who have faced criticism from constituents opposed to the Gaza operations.
"The more unpopular Israel becomes, the less difficult and less of an albatross it is around the Democrats' neck," Daschle said.
Palestinian Authority Blocked from UN
Meanwhile, Trump continues to block Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas from attending upcoming UN Security Council meetings, demonstrating the administration's continued support for Israeli positions on key diplomatic fronts.
The move underscores the complex diplomatic balancing act facing the administration as it manages relationships with multiple Middle Eastern allies while responding to shifting domestic opinion.
Epstein Documentation Surfaces
In separate domestic political developments, Trump faces renewed scrutiny over his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein after documentation emerged contradicting previous denials.
"The Epstein matter is a tremendous issue because it's actually of concern to both the right and left," Daschle said, describing the controversy as providing Democrats with a significant political opportunity.
A birthday card featuring the outline of a woman's body with a note from Trump has been furnished to Congress by Epstein's lawyers, despite Trump's previous claims that no such documentation existed.
"Donald Trump says that there is no such thing as this thank you note drawing that exists and then Democrats produced it, it's in keeping with Donald Trump's history with the truth," Daschle said.
Congressional Investigation Potential
The emergence of previously denied documentation increases the likelihood of congressional investigation into Trump's Epstein connections, according to Daschle's assessment.
"The more this stuff comes out, the more likely they are to launch their own investigation," he said.
The Epstein matter presents particular challenges for Trump because it resonates across traditional political divides.
"Democrats, it's an issue for Democrats largely for partisan reasons. Democrats want to go after Trump and they think this is one of their first openings," Daschle explained.
"But on the right, there are real moral, ethical, ideological concerns with the whole Epstein matter. And the right has gone after pedophilia very aggressively in the last five, six years. And so now it's at their doorstep."
Strategic Political Timing
The convergence of Middle East diplomatic challenges and domestic political controversies creates a complex political environment for the Trump administration.
"Democrats really are having a hard time finding their footing politically. But this gives them a real opportunity because they think they have Trump on the ropes," Daschle said.
The timing of these developments may provide Democrats with multiple avenues to challenge Trump's leadership while highlighting potential inconsistencies in his foreign policy approach.
Regional Security Concerns
The Qatar strike raises broader questions about regional security coordination and the effectiveness of US diplomatic influence with key allies.
Israel's decision to proceed without consulting Washington suggests potential strains in the traditionally close intelligence and military cooperation between the two nations.
The incident also highlights the delicate position of Gulf states like Qatar, which maintain relationships with various regional players while hosting significant US military presence.
As Congress considers potential investigations and the administration manages multiple diplomatic challenges, the polling data on Israeli support suggests fundamental shifts in American foreign policy perspectives may be emerging.
The 60% disapproval rating for Israeli military activities represents a significant departure from historically strong American support for Israeli military actions, potentially influencing future policy decisions and congressional funding discussions.
The combination of declining public support, diplomatic tensions with allies, and domestic political controversies creates an increasingly complex political landscape for the administration as it approaches the remainder of Trump's term.
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