The Impact of Student Protests on US Politics and Israel Support: Insights from Israel’s War on Gaza

A Gaza-focused campus protest movement in the United States is sparking a generational divide on Israel, experts say. Young people are challenging politicians and college administrators nationwide, showing a willingness to speak out in support of Palestinians.

The opinion gap between younger Americans, who are more supportive of Palestinians, and older generations poses a risk to President Joe Biden’s re-election chances and could threaten bipartisan support for Israel in Washington.

Protests at Columbia University in New York and other campuses have led to arrests and disciplinary measures, but similar demonstrations have sprung up across the US and globally. The students are demanding transparency in university investments and divestment from companies involved with the Israeli military.

Politicians and pro-Israel groups have accused the protesters of fueling anti-Semitism, a claim vehemently denied by the demonstrators. Eman Abdelhadi, a sociologist, believes the protests mark an “inflection moment” in US public opinion, reflecting a growing frustration with the status quo.

Despite the crackdown on protests, the momentum continues to grow, with footage of violent detentions only fueling outrage. The generational divide on Israel is especially pronounced among Democrats, with younger voters challenging the values of party politicians.

While immediate policy changes may not be imminent, historians believe that student activism has the potential to shift public opinion and eventually influence policy decisions. The current wave of protests could lead to long-term effects on US policy towards Israel and Palestine, as well as on the broader political landscape.