A recent SvD/Demoskop survey reveals increasing criticism of Israel among Swedish right-wing voters, as the Gaza conflict continues. Support for Israel has notably declined among moderates, Christian Democrats, and liberals, with only 20% of Liberal voters now backing Israel's actions. The survey also highlights a shift in attitudes towards the U.S. and Sweden's roles in the Middle East.
Growing Criticism of Israel Among Right-Wing Voters in Sweden
Growing Criticism of Israel Among Right-Wing Voters in Sweden
A recent survey by SvD/Demoskop shows that right-wing voters in Sweden are becoming increasingly critical of Israel.
The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing for nearly two years, with over 60,000 Palestinians killed, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled health authority.
Support for Israel has waned since the conflict began. A new opinion poll from SvD/Demoskop indicates that Swedish voters are becoming more negative towards Israel and its government.
Notably, it is on the right side of the political spectrum where opinions have shifted. Support for Israel is decreasing among moderates, Christian Democrats, and liberals.
Decreased Support Among Liberals
When the conflict broke out, nearly 70% of Liberal voters were positive about Israel's actions. In this survey, support has dropped to 20%.
"Right-wing voters have had a clearly higher support for Israel's actions since the start, but the longer the conflict continues, the harder it has become to defend Israel's stance even for them," Johan Martinsson told SvD.
Support has also decreased among the opposition.
Christian Democrats and Sweden Democrats Most Supportive
Support for Israel is strongest among Christian Democrat and Sweden Democrat voters. Among Sweden Democrats, support has remained at the same level.
"What stands out is that they have maintained their stance. I believe a much more critical view of the entire Palestinian movement is behind this," Johan Martinsson told SvD.
The Sweden Democrats also stand out in other ways. 39% of their voters support a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, while the general support for this line is 58%.
33% of Sweden Democrat voters want to see a one-state solution with the Israeli government, which only 14% of voters support overall.
More Critical of the USA
More voters are also more critical of what both the USA and Sweden are doing in the Middle East, compared to a year ago.
Among Tidö voters, about 25% are positive about Sweden's actions, compared to only 4% among opposition voters.
Only a quarter of voters say the issue has significant importance for their party choice. Among left-wing party supporters, however, the figure is half.