Palestinian Fayez Sayegh once wrote that when pro-Israel groups appeared to be at their strongest, they were masking their weakness. Recent actions and statements by Congress and pro-Israel groups and Israel’s sharp decline in standing among American voters bear this out.

Israel’s been losing ground in American public opinion since well before October 7th. Polls have shown young people, Black, Latino, and Asian Americans holding somewhat more negative views of Israelis and more support for Palestinians. While Israel, in general, has retained support, its policies are strongly opposed by majorities among all demographics, with majorities supportive of cutting US aid to Israel because of settlement construction and other human rights violations.

Thus, in recent years, pro-Israel groups launched a multi-pronged offensive including: smearing pro-Palestinian activists and members of Congress; passing state laws penalizing supporters of boycotting or sanctioning Israel, and equating criticism of Israel with antisemitism; and a campaign to improve Israel’s image. After the Hamas attack, Israel squandered the opportunity to regain lost support through sheer brutality and wanton disregard for Palestinian lives, weakening Israel’s standing, especially among Democrats and key parts of its base.