One of the most fascinating things about being a regular reader of the political press is the fascinating split between the pro- and anti-Israel factions among political reporters.
Those among the punditry who seem keen to blame Israel for all that ails the middle East, and blame the U.S. Government for continuing to support Israel, seem at a loss for why we would support Israel.
Putting aside all of the reasons of morality or realpolitik that could be mustered to account for our support of Israel, there is one clear explanation for the U.S. position on the issue. America sides with Israel because Americans side with Israel.
In recent data from the Pew Center, Americans blame Hamas and the Palestinians for the current troubles in the region by nearly a 4 to 1 margin. Nearly half (44%) of Americans say Hamas or the Palestinians are to blame for the recent violence while only 12% blame Israel.
So next time you read or hear a pundit asking their plaintiff question of “why do we keep supporting Israel” you can know that at least part of the answer is that Americans are very clearly on Israel’s side.
Update 1:15 PM:
More national survey data on the same topic from Ipsos/McClatchy: 57% of Americans think Hamas’s use of force has been excessive given the circumstances and only 18% think it has been appropriate. In contrast, 44% of Americans think Israel’s response has been appropriate and only 36% think it has been excessive.
