Losing Favor

As the Begin government and U.S. officials discuss possible peace moves for the Middle East, the American public feels that the Israelis should accept President Reagan's comprehensive proposal of last month, even if it means giving up land occupied by Israel since the 1967 war. Some 64% believe that Israel should accept the plan, while only 23% feel that it should not, according to a Yankelovich, Skelly & White, Inc., public opinion survey conducted for TIME between Oct. 5 and 7.

Both Israel and Prime Minister Menachem Begin have lost considerable support among Americans. Forty-eight percent said they were less sympathetic toward Begin than a year ago; 13% felt more sympathy; 35% reported no change. Thirty percent felt that the Begin government had to take the major responsibility for the refugee massacre; 28% blamed Israeli Defense Minister Ariel Sharon, while 39% blamed the Christian Phalangists, and 21% blamed the P.L.O. In December 1981, the poll found that 58% considered Israel to be a trustworthy U.S. ally. That figure has dropped to 44%.

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