The US and Israeli flags. Photo: Reuters / Amir Cohen.

One in five Americans back boycotting Israel, according to a new Rasmussen Reports poll.

“Support by several prominent new Democratic members of the House has raised the profile of the effort to punish Israel economically for its treatment of the Palestinians, but few voters are ready to join in,” Rasmussen said.

The poll found that 41% of likely US voters oppose BDS, while 39% are undecided on the issue.

A Middle East security bill passed by the Senate on Tuesday includes a provision that would allow states to penalize businesses that take part in boycotts of Israel.

The legislation — welcomed by pro-Israel groups — faces an uncertain future in the House of Representatives, partly due to free speech concerns that have been raised by its opponents.