Americans back Gaza pullout
Two-thirds of ADL survey respondents say disengagement plan a "bold step toward peace"; 74 percent believe Israel is serious about reaching peace
A nationwide survey released by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Sunday shows Americans overwhelmingly view the Gaza pullout plan as a "bold step toward peace."
Meanwhile, Americans continue to strongly support Israel in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and view both Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas favorably, the poll found.
The ADL 2005 Survey of American Attitudes Toward Israel and the Middle East of 1,600 American adults was conducted March 18-25 by The Marttila Communications Group.
Among the main survey findings: 42 percent of Americans sympathize more with Israel while only 13 percent sympathize with the Palestinians.
Meanwhile, 74 percent of Americans believe Israel is serious about reaching a peace agreement with the Palestinians, while 64 percent think the Palestinians are serious.
'Window of opportunity is open'
Regarding the disengagement plan, 67 percent of Americans believe that the Israeli decision to unilaterally withdraw from the Gaza Strip without a peace agreement is "a bold step toward peace."
The Israeli government's favorable rating is at its highest in over a decade at 43 percent positive compared to 26 percent unfavorable.
Almost twice as many Americans (42 percent) have a favorable impression of Ariel Sharon as have an unfavorable view (22 percent). Meanwhile, 27 percent view Mahmoud Abbas favorably, as compared with 9 percent favorability for Arafat in 2003.
"It appears clear that Israel's bold initiatives to bring security and peace to its people resonate with the American people," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, as evidenced by the overwhelming support for Prime Minister Sharon's plan to unilaterally withdraw from Gaza.
"With Arafat out of the picture and Mahmoud Abbas seeking fundamental changes for the Palestinians, a window of opportunity is open and there is a sense of optimism about progress for the peace process," he said.
