The public dimension of US–Israel relations: A comparative analysis

The US has established a special relationship with Israel. Despite the absence of a formal defense treaty and frequent outbursts of violence in the Arab-Israeli conflict, American-Israeli relations have been closer than American relations with most of its allies. Wide and sustained public support has been a key factor in the establishment and maintenance of the special relationship. Although public opinion polls and surveys are prone to manipulations, they still serve as the most accurate measure of public sentiments. American-Israeli relations and US policy in the Middle East have been one of the most popular topics in polls taken in the US on a foreign country. The frequent surveys have shown remarkable and stable support for Israel in American public opinion.1 This result is even more impressive when compared to very negative opinion of Israel registered in democratic liberal countries such as members of the European Union.2 On the other side, Israeli attitudes toward the US have been very supportive, and this result is also impressive when compared to critical opinion of the US found among traditional US allies such as Great Britain and Western European countries.