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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K’taka CM, DK Shivakumar meet Jal Shakti minister, seeks approval for water projects
New Delhi, Apr 3 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddarmaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar met Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil on Thursday to seek approval for the Mekedatu and Upper Bhadra projects.
In the meeting, Siddarmaiah informed that Karnataka has the second largest dryland area in the country after Rajasthan. The irrigation projects taken up and being implemented in Karnataka have played a vital role in transforming agricultural landscape.
Siddarmaiah urged the Union minister to intervene in the matter and direct officials concerned to provide necessary clearances and approvals for the projects, according to the letter submitted to the Union minister.
The Mekedatu project, proposed near Kanakapura in Ramanagar district, aims to build 66 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) balancing reservoir. The project faces opposition from Tamil Nadu, a low riparian state, which claims it will obstruct the natural flow of Cauvery River water.
The Upper Bhadra project is designed to support irrigation in drought-prone regions of central Karnataka, covering districts like Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Tumakuru and Davangere. The project's progress is hindered by the lack of funding and the delay in declaring it a 'national project'.
Both projects face significant challenges, including funding issues and inter-state disputes.
Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti V Somanna and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
