Support for Israel widespread among MAGA supporters, but division emerges concerning Gaza
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, Republican support for Israel's military campaign remains high and stable. According to polls, approximately 71% of Republicans currently approve of Israel's actions in Gaza, a slight increase from 66% in late 2024[1][2][3]. This contrasts with much lower support among Democrats and independents, where approval has fallen significantly amid reports of starvation and difficulties in aid distribution in Gaza.
Despite this general support, there are internal fractures within the Republican Party. While the majority maintains firm support, some prominent voices, such as Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, have openly described the situation in Gaza as genocide, signaling a faction that is critical of current Israeli policy[5].
The humanitarian situation, particularly involving the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has been a point of contention. Senate Democrats have criticized the U.S. funding of the GHF, a group distributing aid in Gaza that is backed by Israel and linked to security risks for Gazans seeking food aid. These senators have urged the U.S. government to stop funding GHF and instead resume support for the United Nations' aid coordination, emphasizing the worsening humanitarian crisis amid the blockade and military operations[4]. However, the Israeli Defense Forces deny the existence of starvation in Gaza.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has drawn questions from some American supporters of Israel, including some Republicans. Steve Bannon, a former White House aide, has warned Trump that he risks losing support from young Republicans over the issue[6]. Trump, on the other hand, has focused on blaming Hamas for the situation, stating that there is clearly starvation in Gaza, but not directly criticizing Israel for blocking aid shipments[7].
Aid groups have told NPR that they haven't seen any evidence of Hamas systematically diverting aid[8]. This divide within the MAGA universe over the Israeli military campaign in Gaza reflects a larger fight brewing within the Republican Party about what a post-Trump Republican Party should look like. In June, there was a public riff between Trump and his supporters over his decision to launch airstrikes in Iran[9].
The MAGA America First wing wants the Republican Party to be an America First Party post-Trump. However, some prominent Trump supporters are questioning U.S. support for Israel due to concerns about starvation in Gaza and Palestinians being shot while trying to get aid. This divide within the MAGA universe could shape the future of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
References:
- Pew Research Center
- Gallup
- CNN
- The Hill
- The Washington Post
- Axios
- NPR
- The Jerusalem Post
- The New York Times
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts between Israel and Gaza have led to a polarized politics within the Republican Party, with some members supporting Israel's military campaign and others expressing concern about the humanitarian situation and criticism of Israel's policy.
- The political landscape is further complicated by the general-news surrounding the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, including debates about crime-and-justice, such as the distribution of aid and allegations of starvation in Gaza, which have sparked dissent within the Republican Party.
