Most American Jews believe Israel is committing war crimes

The Washington Post survey shows that “61 percent believe Israel has committed war crimes, and 40 percent accuse the regime of committing genocide against Palestinians.”

These findings, given the historical ties between the American Jewish community and Israel, highlight a deep divide that could have significant implications for U.S. policy.

Two years after the Israeli military’s assaults, Gaza’s Ministry of Health has reported that more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children. The war has also led to mass displacement and severe hunger in Gaza.

The survey further indicates that 68 percent of American Jews view Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s performance negatively, with 48 percent rating it as “poor”—a 20 percent increase compared to five years ago. Similarly, a Gallup poll in July showed that 60 percent of all Americans disapprove of Israel’s actions.

This dissatisfaction is especially pronounced among younger Jews: 50 percent of those aged 18 to 34 believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. In addition, 80 percent of respondents hold Israel and 86 percent hold Netanyahu responsible for the continuation of the war, while 61 percent also blame the United States.

Many American Jews, such as Max Park, a 38-year-old software engineer from Brooklyn, believe that limiting or conditioning U.S. aid to Israel could improve the situation.

He says: “The principles of Judaism emphasize respect for all humanity, but Israel’s policies violate these principles.”