A recent national survey by Langer Research Associates and PORI (Public Opinion Research Israel) reveals a significant preference among Israelis for President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris regarding Israel’s security and in a potential U.S. presidential election.
The September poll indicates that 58% of Israelis believe Trump would enhance Israel’s security, while only 20% support Harris, according to ABC News.
Fifty-eight percent of Israelis say former Pres. Trump would be better for Israel's security, vs. 20% for Vice Pres. Kamala Harris, a national survey by Langer Research Associates and PORI (Public Opinion Research Israel) finds.
— ABC News (@ABC) October 4, 2024
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This significant divide highlights the strong backing Trump still receives in Israel, even after his presidency.
When asked about their voting preferences for a hypothetical U.S. election, Israelis favored Trump over Harris by a similar margin of 54% to 24%.
This preference for Trump spans various demographic groups in Israel, reflecting a broad consensus among the population.
The survey results also reveal pronounced political divisions within Israel that mirror the country’s internal political landscape.
Among supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, an overwhelming 88% believe Trump would better secure Israel, and 84% prefer him for the U.S. presidency.
These figures may indicate the ongoing tensions between Netanyahu’s government and the Biden administration.
Notably, Trump retains support even among those aligned with Israeli opposition parties. While the preference for president is closer (39% for Harris, 37% for Trump), Trump is still viewed as the candidate better for Israel’s security by 41% to 32%.
The poll also shows notable differences in support based on religious affiliation. Trump’s backing for Israel’s security is 53% among secular Jews and rises to 88% among Orthodox Jews.
Similar trends are evident in presidential preference, with Trump’s support peaking at 85% among Orthodox Jews.
Age demographics in Israel reveal a different pattern from that in the U.S. While Harris performs better among younger adults in America, Trump enjoys stronger backing from younger Israelis. Among those under 35, 65% favor Trump on security issues, and 58% support him for president.
Support for Trump is markedly stronger than for Harris. Thirty percent of Israelis say they would “surely” vote for Trump, compared to just 10% for Harris. Additionally, 37% believe Trump would be “much” better for Israel’s security, while only 12% feel the same about Harris.
These findings contrast sharply with the preferences of Jewish voters in the United States. According to ABC News/Ipsos polling, U.S. Jews favor Harris over Trump by 63% to 33%.
This disparity highlights the complex dynamics of political preferences within global Jewish communities.
As the 2024 U.S. presidential race approaches, these poll results could significantly impact U.S.-Israel relations. The strong preference for Trump among Israelis may shape diplomatic strategies and public discourse on Middle East policy in the coming months.
The survey also addressed other important issues, including Israeli views on civilian casualties in Gaza. Notably, 54% of Israelis believe their country is doing too much to prevent civilian casualties in urban combat situations.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, particularly with recent conflicts involving Hezbollah and Iran, these poll results offer valuable insights into Israeli public opinion. They emphasize the lasting influence of Trump’s policies and persona on Israeli views of U.S. leadership and Middle East security.
With the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaching, candidates will likely consider these findings as they develop their foreign policy platforms and engage with both domestic and international audiences. Trump’s robust support in Israel may become a key focus in debates and campaign strategies in the months ahead.
