Bibi torched U.S. support for Israel for a generation
Source: axios.com
TL;DR
- Netanyahu's leadership is eroding U.S. support for Israel amid the Iran war, with favorability collapsing across demographics.
- 40 Senate Democrats voted to block arms sales to Israel this week, up from 15 last April.
- Bipartisan congressional backing for Israel is fraying as even past supporters turn critical.[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/israel-us-support-congress-netanyahu)
The story at a glance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is blamed for sharp drops in U.S. public and congressional support for Israel, accelerated by the Iran war. Key players include Senate and House Democrats like Rep. Jason Crow, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and Rep. Maxwell Frost, who are voicing opposition to arms sales and funding. This comes after recent Senate votes and Pew polling showing broad favorability declines since 2022. The article argues traditional bipartisan ties are at risk.[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/israel-us-support-congress-netanyahu)
Key points
- Israel's favorability has fallen across U.S. groups per recent Pew polling: down 31 points among older Democrats, 22 among younger Republicans and Democrats, 14 among Protestants, 23 among Catholics, 20 among the unaffiliated, and 15 among white Evangelicals (from 80% in 2022).[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/israel-us-support-congress-netanyahu)
- 40 Senate Democrats voted on a resolution to block arms sales to Israel earlier this week, compared to just 15 on a similar vote last April; every Senate Democrat eyeing a 2028 presidential run opposed the sales.[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/israel-us-support-congress-netanyahu)
- House Democrats who backed Iron Dome funding in 2021 now oppose financial aid, a stance Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said was "insanely fringe four years ago."[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/israel-us-support-congress-netanyahu)
- Older Republicans and white Evangelicals remain the main groups with majority favorable views of Israel.[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/israel-us-support-congress-netanyahu)
- Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) called for discussion on "how to normalize that relationship and what change is necessary."[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/israel-us-support-congress-netanyahu)
Key quotes
- "We need to have a discussion about how to normalize that relationship and what change is necessary; there's no doubt about that," Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) told Axios.[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/israel-us-support-congress-netanyahu)
- Netanyahu is "destroying the bipartisan nature in terms of support for Israel," Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) told Punchbowl News.[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/israel-us-support-congress-netanyahu)
Details and context
The article ties the shift to Netanyahu's actions during the ongoing Iran war, which has worsened U.S.-Israel ties. Polling declines hit hardest among younger Americans, influencing even pro-Israel lawmakers to criticize more openly.
Support once seen as untouchable, like Iron Dome funding, now faces pushback from Democrats who previously voted for it.
Older Republicans and white Evangelicals hold out as the core base, but broad drops signal a generational change in views.[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/israel-us-support-congress-netanyahu)
Why it matters
Long-term U.S. backing for Israel, a bipartisan staple, faces serious erosion that could reshape foreign policy. For lawmakers and voters, this means tougher choices on aid amid shifting public opinion, especially among younger groups. Watch Senate and House votes on Israel funding and any 2028 presidential contenders' stances, though Republican support may limit big changes.[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/18/israel-us-support-congress-netanyahu)