US Congressman Brad Sherman Warns Israel Over Eroding American Support
US Democratic Representative Brad Sherman warned Israelis that deteriorating public opinion in America poses serious risks to military aid and diplomatic backing.
A rare and sharp warning regarding the shifting landscape of American public opinion has come from one of Israel’s most steadfast and long-standing supporters in the United States Congress. Democratic Representative Brad Sherman, who represents California's 32nd congressional district and has served for nearly three decades, took to social media to urge Israelis to wake up to the dramatic decline in U.S. public support.
Sherman pointed to a segment broadcasted on CNN featuring senior data analyst Harry Enten, which highlighted a series of polls indicating a sharp drop in American favorability toward Israel. Sherman urged Israeli officials and the public to watch the clip, noting that his recent conversation with Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter left him deeply concerned that neither the ambassador nor the Israeli public grasps the profound nature of the shift occurring in the United States.
Beyond Financial Aid: Strategic Risks
Sherman emphasized that the stakes for Israel extend far beyond the annual U.S. military aid package. He warned that if current trends persist, they could severely impact American arms transfers and the decades-long diplomatic backing Israel has enjoyed in Washington and on the international stage.
The veteran lawmaker also delivered harsh criticism regarding Israel's diplomatic and public diplomacy efforts, asserting that the government fails to take basic steps to improve its global standing and underfunds the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Furthermore, Sherman explicitly pointed to the presence of Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir in the cabinet as a severe liability, concluding that Israel cannot survive without global allies.
A Dramatic Shift in Public Opinion
The CNN segment highlighted data from four major polls—Ipsos, Fox News, Marquette University Law School, and the Pew Research Center—all showing a net negative favorability balance toward Israel. Historical comparisons revealed a staggering change: during the first term of Donald Trump in July 2018, Israel's net favorability stood at positive 51 points. Today, it rests at roughly negative 16 points, marking a 67-point swing over eight years.
Recent data underscores this erosion. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in late March showed that 60% of U.S. adults hold a negative view of Israel, compared to just 37% with a positive view. Similarly, a Marquette University survey in July recorded 55% negative views against 31% positive views.
Growing Pressure on Military Assistance
Perhaps most alarming for bilateral ties, an Ipsos poll conducted in collaboration with The Washington Post found that 55% of Americans believe the U.S. should reduce or completely halt military aid to Israel. This sentiment spans across demographics, including 62% of college graduates and 51% of non-graduates.
Given Sherman's extensive track record—serving since 1997, holding a senior role on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and co-chairing the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus—his public admonition carries immense weight, signaling that Israel's traditional bipartisan consensus in Washington faces unprecedented strain.
