Americans on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict
May 8, 2002For more information, contact:
Sara Rostolder or Gregory Michaelidis, 301-656-0348NEW POLL FINDS PUBLIC EVEN-HANDED ON ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
Contrary to Congressional Resolutions, Majority Blames Both Sides Equally, Wants U.S. to Pressure Both Sides by Withholding Aid
Broad Support for International Conference also Voiced
WASHINGTON, D.C.-A survey released today finds that last week's Congressional resolutions proclaiming unequivocal support for Israel in its struggle with Palestinians are out of step with the American public. Most Americans believe that the United States needs to be even-handed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while only 22% believe it is actually doing so. Fifty-eight percent say the United States is taking Israel's side.
In the poll of 801 Americans by the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) 58% said that both the Israelis and the Palestinians are equally to blame for the current situation in the region. Majorities favor withholding current aid to both Israel (61%) and the Palestinian Authority (63%) if they fail to agree to a ceasefire and return to the negotiating table.
Contrary to the resolutions passed by Congress last week, only 17% of Americans see Israel's conflict with the Palestinians as part of the war on terrorism. The public also shows low levels of support for Israel's recent military actions in the West Bank. Sixty-three percent of Americans supported President Bush's call for Israel to withdraw and, if it does not, 52% favor telling Israel not to use U.S.-provided weapons there.
"What this poll makes clear is that recent actions by Congress are out of step with the American public and their views on the crisis in the Middle East," said Steven Kull, director of PIPA. "Americans clearly hold both sides equally responsible for the current situation and are willing to increase pressure on both sides to achieve a peace deal."
The public supports the renewed U.S. engagement in the Middle East, but wants the U.S. to work collaboratively with the United Nations and other countries to reach a settlement. An overwhelming number (82%) support convening an international conference to reach a peace agreement.
Other findings include:
Fifty-five percent of Americans believe that Israel has not only been trying to root out terrorists but also has been trying to punish the general Palestinian population, and 76% said that Israel should allow the UN to investigate recent Israeli military actions in Jenin. A strong majority (62%) believes that Israel's actions have increased the likelihood of further suicide bombings. Americans also overwhelmingly reject suicide bombings as a legitimate form of resistance (76%). Provided that it is a UN-sponsored operation and includes other countries, 77% support U.S. participation in a peacekeeping operation to monitor and enforce a peace agreement. Seventy percent of the American public approves of President Bush's recent involvement gin the Middle East, and 78% approve of Secretary of State Colin Powell's meeting with Yasser Arafat. Majorities also favor the UN taking a stronger role. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute over East Jerusalem, 57% favor giving the UN interim control over the disputed areas, and strong majorities favor the UN determining where to draw the borders between Israel and a new Palestinian state. Majorities oppose Israeli settlements, both before and after hearing Israeli and Palestinian positions on the issue.
The PIPA survey took a unique approach by consulting with the Embassy of Israel and the Palestinian mission to the UN in the development of questions that represented the respective sides. In addition to the nationwide poll, the study included focus groups in Chicago and Baltimore, and a review of polling data from other organizations. The poll of 801 randomly selected Americans (margin of error plus or minus 3.5-4%) was conducted May 1-5.
A complete copy of the report is available here.
Go directly to the Americ ans on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict Report.
Page last updated May 11th, 2002