On eve of Obama visit, U.S. public’s support for Israel reaches all-time high

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A new Gallup poll shows Americans favor Israeli over Palestinians by 64%-12%; support highest among Republicans, conservatives and elderly.

By Chemi Shalev | Mar.15, 2013 | 9:57 PM

On the eve of President Obama’s visit to the Middle East, the level of support for Israel among the American public has matched an all-time high last recorded over 20 years ago.

According to a Gallup Poll released on Friday, American sympathies are lopsided in favor of Israel over the Palestinians, by a 64%-12% margin. Though sympathy for Israel is consistently over 60%, the last time it reached 64% was in 1991, during the Gulf War.

According to the poll, and in keeping with the trend of recent years, Republicans favor Israel in much higher numbers than Democrats – 78% compared to 55% - with independents registering a 63% approval rating for Israel. The poll notes that support for Israel has actually increased among all groups – including Democrats – but the gain has been steepest among Republicans and independents.

The same pattern holds true for political ideologies, rather than party affiliation: 77% of conservatives, 58% of moderates and 51% of liberals favor Israel. Liberals supply the highest degree of support for the Palestinians – 24%.

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