Survey reveals 49% U.S. voters see Netanyahu as obstacle to Israel-Palestine peace
Washington: In light of a newly proposed ceasefire deal from the White House and recent comments by President Joe Biden suggesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the Gaza conflict to maintain power, a new Data for Progress survey indicates a significant portion of U.S. likely voters view Netanyahu as a major barrier to peace between Israel and Palestine.
The survey, conducted from June 5 to 6, reveals that 49% of respondents believe Netanyahu is either a major or moderate obstacle to achieving peace, while only 18% think he is not an obstacle at all.
When asked about the primary responsibility for the lack of a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, 38% of voters believe both Netanyahu and Hamas share equal responsibility. This view is particularly strong among swing voters, who see equal blame on both sides by a 19-point margin over blaming Hamas alone.
The survey also explored voter opinions on Biden’s three-phase ceasefire proposal announced on May 31. A significant majority of 64% of voters express their support for the proposal. This includes a +37 net support from Independents and +44 from swing voters, highlighting widespread approval across various political demographics.
The ceasefire plan initially faced challenges as reports indicate Biden announced the three-phase proposal without prior agreement from Netanyahu. This led to mixed responses from Israeli officials regarding their support for the plan. Netanyahu has since stressed that Israel would not commit to a permanent end to the war, aiming instead to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities. Despite this, the UN Security Council has voiced support for the proposal.
Voters were also asked if the U.S. should withdraw military aid from Israel if its government rejects the ceasefire proposal. A majority of 53% support withdrawing military aid under these conditions. While Republicans are the only major subgroup that does not support this measure, 35% of them still express some level of support. Other subgroups show net support, including +49 from Democrats, +17 from Independents, +40 from voters under 45, and +25 from swing voters.
These findings coincide with public statements from key figures such as U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has criticized Netanyahu as a "major obstacle” to peace and called for new leadership in Israel. Public opinion in Israel also reflects increased resentment towards Netanyahu since the war began, with many Israelis believing his decisions are politically motivated rather than in the national interest.
The survey results indicate that American voters are increasingly critical of Netanyahu’s role in obstructing peace and support measures that align with international ceasefire efforts.
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Himanta resigns as Assam CM, paving way for formation of new govt
Guwahati (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday resigned along with his cabinet colleagues, paving the way for formation of a new government led by the BJP, officials said.
The BJP-led NDA bagged 102 seats in the 126-member assembly. The assembly elections were held in a single phase on April 9, and counting of votes took place on May 4.
"Following the formal notification of the results of #AssamElections2026 and to enable the formation of the new government, Dr @himantabiswa tendered his resignation as Chief Minister along with that of the council of Ministers to Hon'ble Governor Shri @Laxmanacharya54 today at Lok Bhawan," the Chief Minister's Office said in a post on X.
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The Governor has accepted the resignation, and requested Sarma to continue as the caretaker CM till the new government assumes office, it said.
Later, speaking to reporters outside the Lok Bhawan, Sarma said the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place after May 11.
“As it was a historic win, we have invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grace the occasion," he said.
The new Assam chief minister will be selected at a meeting of the BJP legislature party in presence of central observers, Sarma said.
