Just 27% of American adults believe it is “possible for both Israel and the Palestinian people to peacefully exist side-by-side in the Middle East.” The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% believe peaceful co-existence is not possible while 23% are not sure.

The generally pessimistic assessment is found across partisan and demographic lines. It comes as President Bush has called for a new Middle-East press conference this fall and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair says there is a “sense of possibility” in the region. Other recent survey data finds a general pessimism in U.S. attitudes—just 36% believe the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror and just 33% believe that the best days for the United States are yet to come.

If the peace conference appears to make progress, 62% believe that terrorists will try to sabotage the peace plans. Only 10% disagree.

Sixty percent (60%) hold a favorable opinion of Israel while 26% have an unfavorable view of that nation.

Just 23% have a favorable opinion of the Palestinians while 62% hold an unfavorable opinion.

An earlier Rasmussen Reports survey found that 67% of Americans consider Israel an ally. Also, a 2006 survey found strong support for the position “that the United States should not support the new Palestinian government until in recognizes Israel's right to exist.”

Just 18% of Americans say that they are following news stories Very Closely. Another 33% are following the news Somewhat Closely.

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