Poll: American Jews Support Iran War but Reject Regime Change

About two-thirds of “connected” American Jews support the U.S.–Israel war against Iran, according to a new survey by Israel’s Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI), though far fewer say the conflict should aim to bring down Iran’s ruling regime.

The findings suggest that American Jews are broadly supportive of military action against Iran, while placing limits on what they believe the war’s objectives should be. The results also highlight a gap between American Jewish opinion and broader U.S. public sentiment, as several national polls taken last week found that about 60% of American voters oppose the military action.

The JPPI survey of 692 American Jews found that only about a quarter of respondents believe regime change in Tehran should be a primary goal of the war. By contrast, 58% said the main objective should be to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, and support for terror organizations.

JPPI said the survey reflects the views of “connected” American Jews, as its polling panel includes fewer intermarried Jews and a higher share of respondents affiliated with Jewish denominations or who have lived in Israel than demographic data would suggest for the broader American Jewish population.

The poll also revealed clear political differences within the American Jewish community. Support for the war was nearly unanimous among respondents who identify as politically conservative. Among those who described themselves as “leaning liberal,” 57% said they supported the military action. Self-identified “strong liberals” were the only ideological group where opposition dominated, with just 28% backing the war.

At the same time, many respondents said they are concerned about the domestic consequences of the conflict. According to the survey, 52% of American Jews believe the war will increase antisemitism in the United States, while 45% expect anti-Israel sentiment to rise as the fighting continues.

The poll comes as debate grows in Washington about the future course of the conflict. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, some of President Trump’s advisers are privately urging him to begin planning an exit strategy, warning that rising oil prices, declining public support, and potential political backlash could hurt Republicans if the war becomes prolonged. The advisers reportedly want the administration to frame the military campaign as already successful and begin winding it down before it turns into a longer conflict.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump have both suggested that the collapse of Iran’s ruling Islamic Republic could ultimately emerge from the conflict. While the stated military objectives of the campaign focus on dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and degrading its missile and military infrastructure, both leaders have also spoken about the possibility that the nearly 50-year-old regime in Tehran could fall if internal pressure grows during the war.