Israel Emerges as a Divisive Force in the U.S.

Unconditional support for Israel in the United States is steadily losing traction among younger voters. Today, backing for Israel comes primarily from older voters within both major parties. This shift offers a glimpse into how American politics may shape its Israel policy in the future.

For many young Americans, the “Israel issue” has become a hurdle they are determined to challenge. And challenge it they do. Young Democrats, in particular, are pressing pro-Israel representatives and senators vying for the 2026 elections at every event. Politicians receiving donations from groups linked to the “Israel Lobby” are increasingly being labeled as “partners in genocide” by this demographic.

The 2026 elections promise a fierce showdown between pro-Israel lobbying groups and candidates seeking to end unconditional support for Israel. Many Democratic challengers have already entered the field to oppose pro-Israel incumbents. For example, pro-Israel Republican Senator Susan Collins, in office since 1996, will face a serious challenger in her state: former military officer Graham Platner. At an event alongside Senator Bernie Sanders, Platner stated, “With our taxpayers’ money, we could build schools and hospitals in America—not bombs to destroy Gaza.” The audience responded with a standing ovation.

This contest isn’t limited to party lines; battles also occur within the same party. During the 2024 elections, pro-Israel lobbyists spent far more money than in previous cycles due to a rising number of Democrats willing to criticize Israel. While these groups are expected to spend even more in 2026, they are likely to see diminishing returns, as dissatisfaction with Israel among Democratic voters is no passing trend.

Protests against U.S. support for Israel are occurring across platforms. Recently, two former military officers temporarily disrupted a session of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, accusing the U.S. government and committee members of complicity in Israel’s actions in Gaza. Committee Chair James Risch, a Republican who has received significant campaign contributions from pro-Israel lobbyists, even called for their imprisonment.

Anthony Aguilar, a former GHF employee, had previously released footage exposing the so-called “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation,” established under the Trump administration, showing its mercenaries killing civilians attempting to receive aid. Aguilar resigned after witnessing these atrocities.

Meanwhile, ideological rifts over Israel have emerged among the so-called Trumpist camp. At this year’s National Conservatism Conference in Washington—a platform launched in 2019 by Israeli Yoram Hazony and supported by figures including Vice President JD Vance—debates centered on the U.S.-Israel alliance. Curt Mils, executive director of The American Conservative, criticized the expectation that the U.S. should participate in Israel’s wars, asking, “Why are these our wars? Why should Israel’s endless conflicts become America’s obligations?” He also condemned attempts to dismiss such critiques as “anti-Semitism.” Pro-Israel voices, including academic Max Abrahms, labeled Trump-aligned critics of Israel as isolationists seeking to constrain the U.S.

In short, unconditional support for Israel has become a polarizing issue across both left and right in the U.S., dividing debates on every platform. For those seeking to reshape American foreign policy, Israel has become a threshold that must be confronted.