SURVEY FINDS SIX IN TEN AMERICANS VIEW ISRAEL UNFAVOURABLY

A Pew Research Centre survey found that six in ten Americans hold an unfavourable view of Israel. The survey, conducted after the recent war between Israel and Iran, put the figure up from 53 percent last year and 42 percent in 2022. Negative views rose among both Democrats and Republicans, with 57 percent of Republicans under 50 viewing Israel unfavourably, the survey found. Mark Dubowitz, chief executive of the Washington-based Foundation for Defence of Democracies, said Israel's "political shield is also eroding". He urged Israel to deepen its military, technological, intelligence and economic integration with the United States.

Dubowitz said closer integration would make it harder for Washington to sanction or hold Israel accountable without cost to itself. He compared the situation to sanctions used against Iran, saying "parts of that same machinery are now being assembled against Israel". He described the Iran sanctions model as a "steadily tightening noose". The Foundation for Defence of Democracies was founded in 2001 with a stated purpose of enhancing Israel's image in North America. Unfavourable views of Israel have risen since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, according to the survey.

Separately, Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's US tour after speaking about Palestine on stage, according to reports. Fellow support acts Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga withdrew from the tour in response. Ticket prices for Sheeran's remaining shows fell by as much as half, the reports said. Macklemore pledged the $1m he earned from his tour appearances to six organisations supporting Palestinians, and reports said Sheeran would donate $2m towards humanitarian relief in the region. Children's educator Ms Rachel pledged $1m to Palestinian aid organisations following the controversy.