Press Room

Press Releases

Poll: Israeli PM’s Actions Concern Likely US Voters: More Than One-Third Give Sharon an 'Unfavorable' Rating

Posted on Monday April 12, 2004

Washington- On the eve of Israeli Prime Minster Ariel Sharon’s arrival in Washington, new poll results reveal that more than one-third of likely U.S. voters have an unfavorable opinion of the Israeli leader. The poll also demonstrates voters’ concern with Prime Minister Sharon’s policies and belief that his actions may put America at risk. In all more than 1,000 likely voters were contacted between April 1 and April 4. The poll was conducted by Zogby International and commissioned by the Arab American Institute. It has a margin or error of +/-3.1%.

Sharon’s favorable/unfavorable rating
When voters are asked for their overall opinion of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, they are almost evenly divided with more than one third, or 35%, giving the Prime Minister a net-negative rating and 34% giving him a net positive rating. Among Democratic voters, the Prime Minister’s favorable rating drops significantly with only 25% giving him a favorable rating and 40% giving him an unfavorable rating. Almost half, or 49%, of Republicans contacted gave the Israeli leader a favorable rating. Among Independents, 39% give Sharon an unfavorable rating compared to 29% who give him a favorable rating.

Killing of Hamas leader
At the end of March, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered the killing of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. When voters were asked whether or not they agreed the killing “was a legitimate action to defend Israel” or was “illegal and dangerous to peace and stability”, 48% said they felt the action was dangerous. 36% agreed with Sharon’s actions. Again, there was a partisan divide on the Prime Minister’s actions. 59% of Democrats and 44% of Independents felt the killing was “dangerous” while 52% of Republicans felt it was “legitimate”.

Sharon’s Actions Put America at Risk
Likely voters were also asked with which of the following statements they agreed: “A-Ariel Sharon is an ally to the US in the war on terrorism.” or “B-Ariel Sharon’s actions put America at risk.” 46% of all voters agreed “Sharon’s actions put America at risk”. 39% identified Sharon as “an ally to the US”. Among Republicans, the number of voters who identify Sharon as an ally is significantly higher, 56%, whereas only 26% of Democrats and 35% of Independents believe that Sharon is an ally.