Israel Considers Name Change to Regain Younger Americans’ Support
- Chadwick Dolgos

- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Israel’s government is reportedly mulling a drastic rebrand to win over younger Americans, who polls show are increasingly skeptical of the nation’s policies.
A leaked memo from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office suggests a name change could help reverse the country’s declining popularity among the 18-34 demographic.
The memo cites a recent survey indicating only 32% of American Gen Z and Millennials view Israel favorably, down from 64% a decade ago, largely due to social media campaigns highlighting the nation’s military actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Among the proposed names are “The United State,” “Trump Country,” and “MAGAlandia,” each designed to resonate with the MAGA-leaning youth who dominate certain online spaces.
A senior aide, speaking anonymously, confirmed the strategy draws inspiration from the viral enthusiasm for renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The aide argued that a bold rebrand could shift focus from Israel’s controversial conflicts, including its ongoing genocide in Gaza.
“This is about meeting young people where they are,” the aide said. “If they love ‘Merica, we’ll give them Merica vibes.”
The idea has sparked internal debates, with some officials pushing for names that evoke patriotic fervor while others worry about alienating traditional allies.
One suggestion, “Patriotistan,” was quickly shelved after it tested poorly in focus groups. Another proposal, “New Florida,” gained traction for its appeal to sun-loving, freedom-obsessed Americans but was criticized for being too geographically confusing.
A Tel Aviv-based political analyst, Yossi Cohen, suggested the rebrand could backfire if it appears too pandering.
“Young Americans aren’t stupid; they’ll see through a name change that doesn’t address the root issues,” Cohen said. “But the government thinks a catchy name might drown out the noise on X about war crimes.”
Israel’s leadership remains optimistic, pointing to the Gulf of America frenzy as proof that bold branding can capture hearts and minds.
The Gulf renaming, though never officially adopted, sparked a wave of memes and merchandise, with “Gulf of America” T-shirts selling out on Etsy within hours.
Netanyahu’s team believes a similar cultural moment could reframe Israel’s image, even as its military continues airstrikes in Lebanon and Gaza, which have drawn condemnation from human rights groups.
“We’re not just a country; we’re a vibe,” a Netanyahu spokesperson said. “If ‘Trump Country’ gets us likes on TikTok, we’re open to it.”
The proposal is still in early stages, with no timeline for a decision. For now, Israel’s leaders are monitoring social media for feedback, hoping a new name might turn the tide of public opinion among America’s youth.
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