ABSTRACT
This chapter provide an important explanation of how the partisan divide over support for Israel is manifested. It provides empirical validation of a widely accepted theory of public opinion: Heuristic formation of opinions. Republicans are more likely to have pro-Israeli attitudes compared to Democrats: Republicans feel a greater positive affect toward Israel, and they are more likely to sympathize with Israel than with its rivals and blame these rivals for the violence in the region. Republicans are also more likely to support Israel’s use of force and to provide it with aid. Due to religious denomination, ideological commitments or elite party cues, Republicans have favorable views of Israel. Page and Bouton suggest that citizens organize their foreign policy beliefs and attitudes in a purposeful, goal-oriented instrumental fashion. The most important finding in these models is the significant and positive effect of favorability as a predictor in all four measures of support for Israel.
