The majority of Americans support the United States aiding Israel's continued military offensive in Gaza in an effort to free the last remaining hostages, according to a new poll released Thursday.
NEWSMAX -- The Chicago Council on Global Affairs asked participants if they favored the U.S. "supporting the Israel militarily until the hostages are returned" and 60% responded in the affirmative. Significantly fewer, 49%, favored the U.S. "supporting the Israel militarily until Hamas is dismantled or destroyed."
When broken down by party affiliations, 76% of Republicans favored U.S. military support to free the hostages while only 55% of Democrats did. Democrats overwhelmingly favored recognizing a Palestinian state at 66% while only 33% of Republicans did. According to Israeli Defense Force estimates, there are 108 hostages still held by Hamas, approximately a third of whom are presumed dead.
Israel is the largest beneficiary of U.S. military and economic assistance in the world at a reported $3.8 billion for the current fiscal year. The support among the two major political parties was slightly more aligned when it came to aid with 29% of Republicans feeling the amount of aid is appropriate with 28% of Democrats feeling the same.