Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is more popular among Americans than the Pope. Photo: Twitter.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is more popular among Americans than Pope Francis I, according to a new poll, the Israeli news site nrg reported on Monday.

The poll, conducted by DC think tank the Brookings Institution, asked Americans to list the top five leaders they most respected. Netanyahu came in third place — after President Barack Obama and the late President Ronald Reagan — but ahead of Pope Francis I.

The breakdown among the general US population was as follows: Obama — 16%; Reagan — 7%; and Netanyahu — 6%. Pope Francis I received a 5% popularity rating, ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin (3%).

Among Evangelical Christians, Netanyahu fared even better, receiving 16%, with Reagan and Obama receiving 11% and 10% respectively.

Republican and older respondents were more likely to favor the Israeli Prime Minister than Democrats and young people, according to the poll.

Among Republicans, Netanyahu received a 51% favorability rating, up from 49% last year, whereas among Democrats, 34% opposed him, compared 22% last year.

37% of respondents also believed that Israel has too much influence on the US government, while 18% said Israel has too little. 44% said Israeli influence on US policy is proportionate and appropriate.

The poll revealed that Democrats (49%) were more likely than Republicans (25%) to believe Israel has too much influence on the United States, whereas Evangelicals were more likely to believe that Israel has too little influence.