Americans overwhelmingly back Israeli INVASION and occupation of Gaza by a margin of two to one, in exclusive poll

As Israel masses tanks and personnel around the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas terror attack, the Americans have a clear message to Israeli commanders: Go ahead.

About 50 percent believe it is reasonable for the Israel Defense Forces to fully invade and occupy the territory, according to an exclusive poll for DailyMail.com, compared to 28 percent who said it would be unreasonable.

There is also overwhelming support for airstrikes on Hamas targets.

From Gaza, thousands of Hamas gunmen were breaking out across Israel last Saturday morning. Their murderous mission left over 1,200 dead, including women and babies.

Since then, Israel has continued an aerial bombardment of Gaza while preparing for a major military offensive.

JL Partners polled 1,000 Americans about attitudes toward Israel and Hamas. They supported a ground invasion and occupation of Gaza by a margin of two to one

As Israel appears to be preparing for a ground invasion of Gaza, Americans have given Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a clear message in a DailyMail.com poll: Go ahead

JL Partners asked 1,000 Americans about their views on the attacks and Israel’s response.

The only groups who said a ground invasion and occupation was unreasonable were 18-29 year olds (27 percent said it was reasonable, 49 percent unreasonable) and Democrats (38 percent to 39 percent).

Americans also strongly support blocking electricity, food, water and fuel. About 45 percent said it was reasonable and 36 percent said it was not.

Joe Alder, senior research fellow at JLP, said: “By a margin of two to one, Americans support a ground invasion indicating early support for such a course if Israel follows through.

“However, with the rapid development of events, that number could change – Americans are more hesitant about the extended bombing of the Gaza Strip, Democratic voters are divided, and civilian deaths could change things.

“The battle for the hearts and minds of Americans will depend on the images and narratives that emerge from any invasion.”

Last Saturday’s attack shocked the world and threatens to upend relations across the Middle East.

Israel’s dreaded security and intelligence forces were completely unwarranted and took hours to respond.

The wake of the disaster has put pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

Israel has continued an intense bombardment of Gaza since last Saturday’s unprecedented attack by Hamas terrorists, which killed more than 1,200 people

Residents evacuate Gaza City following an Israeli warning of increased military operations in the Gaza Strip, October 13, 2023

Since then, Israel has continued its aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has announced a “total siege”.

“There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed,” he said on Monday.

On Thursday night, Palestinians in northern Gaza were warned to head south for their own safety. The warnings were seen as a clear indication that a ground attack was imminent as Israel tries to neutralize the threat from Hamas.

In our poll, Americans overwhelmingly supported airstrikes on Hamas targets, 60% to 20%.

But the numbers are falling for a more indiscriminate bombing campaign. While 44 percent of respondents said “extensive bombing” was reasonable, about 35 percent said it was not.

For now at least, Americans strongly support the Israeli blockade of electricity, fuel, food and water: About 45 percent said it was a reasonable response to the Hamas onslaught, though a sizable minority, 36 percent, he said was absurd.

On Friday, authorities in Gaza said 1,799 people had already died in Israeli strikes.

An Israeli flag flies over body bags of more than 20 dead Hamas militants with the word “terrorist” written in Hebrew, in a field in Kibbutz Be’eri, where dozens of civilians were killed

Palestinian civilians inspect damage to their homes caused by Israeli airstrikes on October 13, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza. Israel has blockaded Gaza and launched constant retaliatory airstrikes, which have killed at least 1,700 people

The world is bracing for the toll to rise as Israel tightens its grip on Gaza.

And although much of the world has stood by Israel in its time of need, there is growing concern that its impending attack could amount to “collective punishment” of the people of Gaza, in violation of international law.

World leaders and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken are reminding Netanyahu and his government of their responsibilities.

On Thursday, Blinken stood by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said: “Israel has the right to defend itself … what matters is how Israel does it.”

Former President George W. Bush was among those who warned that things will get worse before they get better.

“Don’t be surprised if Israel does whatever is necessary to defend itself,” he said at a private event. And it’s going to be ugly for a while.’