As reported by Responsible Statecraft on Aug. 6, an online poll conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs between June 21 and July 1 shows that only 41% of Americans support the idea of U.S. troops being deployed to Israel, even if Israel is attacked by its neighbors. That figure is down from 53% in 2021. Support from Republicans decreased from 72% in 2021 to 55% today, and among Democrats, it dropped from 42% in 2021 to 35% today.
Some of those surveyed said they would support a peacekeeping mission, if a ceasefire agreement were reached between Palestine and Israel, and kept in place. Against the backdrop of the dangerous situation in Southwest Asia, Responsible Statecraft’s Aaron Sobczak adds that it’s not clear how far Washington will go to intervene if Israel starts a major conflict with Hezbollah or Iran. Yes, the U.S. is positioning further military assets for shielding Israel in the region—ships, weaponry, personnel—but, as the poll indicates, Americans are “still unwilling to send U.S. troops into another warzone, no matter the relationship. Perhaps the political will amongst Americans is shifting towards some semblance of international realism after generations of never-ending war,” he concludes.
