Two-third Americans consider Israel a strong and loyal US ally

Jerusalem, Oct 27 (ANI): The support for Israel among Americans remains constant and their support for action to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power has substantially increased, according to a survey.

Some two-thirds of Americans consider Israel a strong and loyal US ally, as previous surveys have shown.

A new nationwide survey released by the Anti-Defamation League on Monday shows that Americans recognize Israel as a strong and loyal US ally.

The 2009 Survey of American Attitudes on Israel, The Palestinians and Prospects for Peace in the Middle East, a national telephone survey of 1,200 American adults, was conducted between September 26-October 4 by Marttila Communications of Washington and Boston.

"This latest survey of the American people, coming at a time of a full range of challenging issues facing Israel and the region demonstrates anew the breadth and depth of American public support for Israel from a variety of perspectives," The Jerusalem Post quoted ADL national director Abraham H. Foxman, as saying.

"Americans see Israel as a loyal ally to the US, as being very serious about wanting to achieve peace with the Palestinians and as deserving the sympathy of the American people in the conflict with the Palestinians," he added.

Foxman also noted that a changing dynamic regarding Iran and the nuclear issue. "The significant increase in Americans viewing Iran as a threat and supporting, if nothing else works, US or Israeli military options against Iran, reflects a new and needed sense of urgency about the issue in light of Iran's oppressive policies and the discovery of a secret Iranian nuclear plant," he said.

On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, 64 percent believe that Israel is serious about achieving peace with the Palestinians.

There has also been significant gain in those who would support either Israel or the US using military action to stop Iran from making a nuclear weapon, with 57 percent of Americans supporting an Israeli hit, and 54 percent supporting a US move. (ANI)