(The Hill) Mark Mellman - A new Gallup poll found 70% of Americans holding a favorable view of Israel, reflecting an upward trend. In 1989, 45% expressed favorable views of the Jewish state. Despite our pronounced tendency toward evenhandedness in conflicts that don't directly involve us, 62% express greater sympathies for Israel, while just 16% side with the Palestinians. Democrats are no less supportive of Israel than they were in the 1970s. The gap between the parties that exists today is completely a function of increased Republican support and not by any decline in Democratic support. Support for Israel has remained more or less constant over nearly four decades because the strength of the relationship is based on the enduring commitment to Israel deeply etched in the American public mind. The relationship is not predicated on a lobby, nor will it be run off the rails by disagreements among leaders, even on vital issues. In our democracy, public opinion counts. The writer is president of The Mellman Group and has worked for Democratic candidates and causes since 1982.
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