The GOP is souring on Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu spent fifteen years rebuilding Republican support as Democratic backing collapsed. Now that strategy is unraveling. According to Axios, a growing number of Republicans—particularly younger ones—are souring on Netanyahu over his handling of Gaza and the Iran war. The tension reaches the highest levels of the GOP. President Trump, who had pressured Netanyahu to accept a Gaza peace deal, expressed strong frustration with him last year. Trump told Axios he needs to 'keep him a little bit sane.' Vice President JD Vance rebuked Israeli officials opposing the Iran deal, saying Netanyahu shouldn't alienate his only powerful ally. Polling reveals a significant shift, especially among younger Republicans. Forty percent of Republicans now view Israel unfavorably—fifty-seven percent of those aged eighteen to forty-nine. Only twenty-two percent of Republicans aged eighteen to thirty-four support Israel's military actions as self-defense. That said, the Republican establishment remains overwhelmingly pro-Israel. Seventy percent of Republicans still sympathize more with Israelis than Palestinians. But that support is eroding—a worrying trend for Netanyahu as he heads toward Israeli elections.

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