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‘The American right is increasingly opposed to US support for Israel and dabbles in antisemitism’
Historian Suzanne Schneider argues that the American right is increasingly split over support for Israel, while antisemitic ideas are becoming more visible among some conservatives. She says this exposes a tension in nationalist politics: some figures praise Israel’s exclusionary policies while promoting beliefs that could marginalise Jewish people living elsewhere.
Schneider cites a 2025 Manhattan Institute poll in which 25% of Republican voters under 50 said they held antisemitic views, compared with 4% of those over 50. At the 2026 National Conservatism conference in Jerusalem, speakers warned of growing opposition to US involvement with Israel among younger conservatives; others blamed Jewish organisations and support for immigration for the hostility. The article links the shift to conspiratorial thinking and frustration over war, debt and economic decline.
In short
- Antisemitic views are more common among younger Republican voters.
- Some on the American right oppose US support for Israel.
- Nationalist politics can combine pro-Israel rhetoric with antisemitism.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of strong US backing for Israel argue that the alliance advances shared security interests, supports a close democratic partner and reflects enduring strategic and historical ties. They may also see rising hostility to Israel, particularly when expressed through conspiracies about Jewish influence, as a warning that criticism of policy can become prejudice against Jewish people.
The case against
Sceptics of US support argue that the alliance can draw America into costly conflicts and encourage commitments that deserve scrutiny amid domestic economic pressures and other priorities. They may contend that backing Israel should not be treated as beyond debate, while recognising that opposition to its government or US policy must be distinguished from antisemitic claims about Jews collectively.