That is one way to put it. I believe that American Jews have been divided on Israel even years ago. The Reform movement refused to mention Israel in their prayer books. They ridiculed the day school movement and openly attacked observant Jews.
The state of Israel has been very close to perishing before, during those times you mention too. The ones who saved Israel weren't only Jews either. American Jews have been very divided in the past, both here and in Europe.
Yes, you're right. It's just really aggravating that Jewish Americans keep getting blamed on these threads. The Jewish 'Rats voted for Obama, so since they helped elect an anti-Israeli administration, then screw Israel. That'll teach 'em!