WASHINGTON, Aug 8: The traditionally pro-Israel US public is closely divided on the Jewish state’s battle with Hezbollah militia, a new poll showed. Forty-six per cent of Americans surveyed blame Israel and Hezbollah equally for the conflict, whereas 39 per cent blame Hezbollah alone, according to the ABC News/ Washington Post poll released late on Monday.

The poll found Americans nearly evenly split on whether Israel’s intense bombing of Lebanese targets to eliminate Hezbollah’s ability to launch rocket barrages against Israeli targets was justified.

In the poll, 47 per cent said Israel was justified in its bombing campaign, against 48 per cent who were opposed.

But people were more strongly on Israel’s side regarding the shape of an immediate ceasefire being sought by leaders of the international community.

Fifty-five per cent said Israel should halt its attacks only if Hezbollah disarms first, while only 35 per cent thought Israel should agree to an immediate, unconditional halt to fighting.

On Israel’s tactics, those polled were split: 35 percent said Israel was using about the right amount of force, 32 percent said it was too much force, and 22 percent said it was not enough force.—AFP