Poll: 62% of Republicans Say U.S. Should Support Israel if They Attack Iran, Only 33% of Dems Agree

The entrance of the United States into conflict should there be a war between Iran and Israel, or if Iran continues to seek nuclear weapons, is a growing concern for many American voters going into this year's elections.

A Pew Research Center poll released Wednesday found that nearly six-in-ten (58 percent) of those surveyed say it is important to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, even if it means taking military action. Only 30 percent say it is important to avoid a military conflict with Iran, even if it allows the country to develop nuclear weapons. A little more than half of Americans (51 percent) say the United States should remain neutral if Israel takes action to stop Iran’s nuclear program, but far more say the U.S. should support (39 percent) than oppose (5 percent) an Israeli attack.

The study finds that Republicans are far more supportive of using military force to stop Iranian nuclear proliferation, and a majority (62 percent) of Republicans say they would support an Israeli attack to stop Iran. Only 33 percent of Democrats surveyed said they would support Israel if they attempt to use force to stop Iran.

The national survey was conducted between February 8-12, 2012, among 1,501 adults.

(H/T: Weasel Zippers)