Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is more popular with Americans than he has been in a long time.
At a time when liberals and members of the media have rebuked both Netanyahu and Speaker John for politicizing negotiations with Iran, Netanyahu is enjoying great favorable rating, according to a Gallup poll.
Netanyahu’s approval is now at 45 percent, a full ten points higher than two years ago. His disapproval stayed relatively the same, now at 24 percent. These are the best numbers Netanyahu has seen this millennium, clearly indicating whatever flak he is taking from the left is not damaging his brand with Americans.
In fact, Netanyahu’s favorability is higher than President Obama’s approval according to Gallup's daily tracking poll.
Netanyahu is in Washington D.C., today to speak at AIPAC’s summit before he addresses a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.
Democrats disparaged Netanyahu for accepting Boehner’s invitation to speak at the joint session of Congress. The White House was exasperated at the "breach of protocol" because they were never notified of the arrangement until it was announced.
Tensions were apparent this week, with Susan Rice calling Netanyahu’s speech "destructive" and Sen. Dianne Feinstein calling the prime minister "arrogant."
Still, an even number of Democrats view Netanyahu favorably as do unfavorably at 31 percent. Republicans are far more likely to support Netanyahu, with 42 percent more viewing him favorably then unfavorably.
The strained relationship between the White House and Israel does not appear to translate into the American people’s view of Israel’s leader.