Biden’s cease-fire bid further divides Israeli public opinion

President Biden 's push for a cease-fire deal with Hamas that includes the release of remaining hostages held by the group has triggered blowback in large circles of Israeli society.

Biden 's initial support for Israel in the wake of Hamas 's Oct. 7 terrorist attack won him support across the country’s political spectrum.

Biden is calling for an end to war between Israel and Hamas , and on Friday afternoon announced what he called an Israeli -sanctioned ceasefire.

Biden 's proposal appears to gain the endorsement of Israel ’s antigovernment protest movement.

A large majority on the left and in the center in Israel consider a deal for the release of hostages to be the highest priority.

Netanyahu has previously shown a willingness to bend to Biden 's demands, but the stakes for his governing coalition have never been higher.

In an IDI poll conducted in early May , 42.5 percent of Israeli Jews surveyed said a second Trump presidency would be good for Israel .

Only 32 percent said Biden is the better president for Israel ’s interest.

The souring view of Biden in some circles is unlikely to transform Israeli attitudes toward the U.S. more generally.