Title: Public Opinion Shows Growing Support for Ending Arms Transfers to Israel
Introduction:
In a recent interview with CNN, Kamala Harris avoided directly answering a question about withholding U.S. weapons shipments to Israel. However, public opinion polls reveal that a majority of American voters, including Democrats and Republicans, support ending arms transfers to Israel. This article explores the consistent trend of public support for restricting military aid to Israel and highlights the disconnect between politicians and public opinion.
Public Opinion Favors Ending Arms Transfers:
Recent polls consistently show that a majority of Americans oppose sending weapons to Israel and support a ceasefire. A June poll conducted by CBS revealed that 61 percent of all Americans, including 77 percent of Democrats and nearly 40 percent of Republicans, believe the U.S. should not send weapons to Israel. These results have remained consistent since the start of the war in Gaza, with Americans expressing support for restrictions on arms transfers.
Support in Key Swing States:
Polls conducted in key swing states also indicate a significant level of support for conditioning military aid to Israel or withholding aid altogether. A poll by the Cato Institute found that the majority of likely voters in Rust Belt swing states, such as Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, expressed support for conditioning military aid to Israel. Another poll commissioned by the Institute for Middle Eastern Understanding Policy Project showed that a majority of voters in Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia would be more likely to vote for Harris if the U.S. withheld arms to Israel.
Mainstream Position:
Contrary to the perception that ending arms transfers to Israel is solely a progressive left issue, the majority of Democrats support this stance. Yousef Munayyer, head of the Palestine/Israel Program at Arab Center Washington D.C., emphasizes that this is a mainstream position, supported by sensible individuals who are concerned about the situation in Gaza. The consistent polling data reflects the growing sentiment among Americans that funding and supporting the conflict should cease.
Political Disconnect:
Despite the overwhelming public support for ending arms transfers, the Biden administration has continued to provide military aid to Israel, including a recent $20 billion weapons package. The administration has ignored calls from Democratic senators to halt aid and has faced criticism for disregarding evidence of human rights violations committed by the Israeli military. The Democratic National Convention also denied a main-stage speaker slot to delegates who supported an arms embargo. Harris’s stance in the CNN interview disappointed those who hoped for a departure from the administration’s policies.
Legal and Ethical Considerations:
Advocates for an arms embargo often cite the Leahy law, which prohibits military aid to foreign security forces that violate human rights law. Additionally, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 prohibits military aid to countries that block humanitarian aid. These laws highlight the ethical concerns surrounding military aid to Israel, particularly in light of evidence and allegations of human rights violations.
Growing Disapproval of the War:
Public opinion polls demonstrate a gradual progression toward disapproval of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Gallup polls show a shift in Americans’ attitudes, with increasing disapproval of the war. A March survey by Pew Research Center revealed that a plurality of Democrats and a majority of liberals opposed military aid to Israel. The United Kingdom and several other countries have also suspended or limited their military support to Israel.
Conclusion:
Public opinion polls consistently show that a majority of Americans, including Democrats and Republicans, support ending arms transfers to Israel and favor a ceasefire. Despite this, politicians, including the Biden administration, have continued to provide military aid to Israel. The disconnect between public opinion and political actions highlights the need for politicians to align their policies with the sentiments of the American people. The growing support for an arms embargo reflects a consistent trend among Democratic voters and indicates a mainstream position on the issue.
