New polling shows six in 10 Americans view Isreal unfavorably, and support among Democratic voters is collapsing, bringing new focus to campaign contributions from pro-Israeli groups.

Polls show 80% of Democrats now hold an unfavorable view of Israel. New Hampshire Peace Action and other activist organizations are urging those in office to listen to their base and cut ties to lobbyists backing Israeli-war efforts in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.

"How can we trust someone who supports genocide around the world," said Heather Cronk, a volunteer organizer for Prince George’s 4 Palestine, "and how do we trust that person to act on behalf of their constituents at home?"

She said the effort is working. A record 40 out of 47 Democratic senators last week voted to block a sale of U.S. military equipment to Israel, including both of New Hampshire's U.S. senators.

Israel is a key U.S. ally, but the Trump administration's decision to join Israel in bombing Iran without congressional approval has added to voter frustration. A growing number of young Republicans are also criticizing Israeli actions in Gaza, where more than 70,000 civilians have been killed since the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023.

Kevin Martin, president of the national arm of Peace Action, said more young people are running for office as staunch supporters of Palestinian rights with a focus on affordability at home.

"The economy is so bad young people can’t afford to buy a car, let alone a house, and here’s the United States over the last few years giving $20 billion in weapons to Israel," he said. "And in Israel, everybody there has universal health care. Do we have that here in the United States? No, we don’t."

Martin said young political candidates are highlighting their refusal to take money from organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. He said rejecting those donations may be the new litmus test for Democrats seeking office. A number of presumed 2028 presidential candidates have already stated their opposition to the lobbying group.

Source: Public News Service