According to a new gallup poll, Americans favor Israel in lopsided numbers when it comes to dealing with Hamas, and the new Palestianian government. Some numbers to crunch.
44% say Israel should have diplomatic relations with Hamas, only if Hamas recognizes Israel, 22% say they should have relations regardless if Hamas recognizes Israel or not, while 25% want Israel to have no relationship with Hamas at all.
Those who watch the news closely out of the Middle East, 66% sympathize with Israel, those who watch the proceedings somewhat, favor Israel by 59%, and 52% sympathize with Israel even though they don't keep up with news from the Middle East.
A clear majority, 57% oppose giving any aid to Hamas while they are in power, only 30% say aid should be given to Hamas even if the group recogizes Israel, and only 5% want aid to go to Hamas even if they don't recognize Israel.
When given a choice of Israel or the new Palestinian government in which to support, 68% favor Israel while only 11% favor the new Hamas government. These numbers are about the same with support for Israel, but considerably lower for supporting the new PA government. (69%-27%)
If you go by party affiliation, 77% of Republicans, 50% of Democrats and 50% of Independents favor Israel.
A more ominous sign to end the survey. 65% of Americans believe that Israel will never see peace in the Middle East no matter whoever is in charge, while only 32% say they will.
Clearly, Americans sympathize with Israel, but they are not optomistic about peace in the Middle East anytime soon.