Poll: ‘Pro-Israel’ means pro-government

More than half of Israeli Jews believe that the term “pro-Israel” should apply only to Jewish groups that back the policies of the current Israeli government, a poll showed.

Asked to choose between one of two statements, 54 percent of respondents said that “Jewish organizations that advocate before foreign governments and identify themselves as pro-Israel should always support the policies of the current Israeli government,” according to the survey published June 15.

Twenty-eight percent of respondents agreed with the other statement, that such organizations should “be free to openly oppose the policies of the current Israeli government.”

A large majority, 65 percent to 12 percent, agreed that “American Jews should criticize President Barack Obama’s policy towards Israel” as opposed to supporting it. The poll also found that a two-state solution was favored 55 percent to 36 percent as “essential to Israel’s survival as a national home of the Jewish people as a vibrant democracy.” — jta