The Hill News

A majority of Americans approve of how President Obama is handling the situation in Libya, a new poll found.

According to the poll, conducted by CNN/Opinion Research on Friday through Sunday and released Monday, 50 percent of Americans approve of how Obama is handling Libya while 41 percent disapprove. The poll also found that 9 percent have no opinion.

On establishing a no-fly zone over Libya, 70 percent approve and 27 percent disapprove. Earlier this month, CNN/Opinion Research polled on the same question and found that 56 percent supported a no-fly zone and 40 percent opposed one.

Additionally, the poll found that 54 percent approve of the use of American and other countries' missiles and fighter jets to protect Libyan civilians and enforce a no-fly zone. Forty-three percent oppose that.

On Friday the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution authorizing the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Libya to protect Libyan civilians from the military of Libyan dictator Col. Moammar Gadhafi.

American, British and French fighter jets and missiles have been hitting Libyan military targets since the resolution passed. In joining the multilateral effort, Obama said that no American ground forces would be used.

Since the U.S. joined in enforcing the U.N. resolution, Obama has received criticism from lawmakers on both the right and the left for failing to consult with Congress before taking military action.

The public appears to be behind Obama on his use of fighter jets and his decision not to commit ground troops. The poll found that 70 percent oppose using ground forces to enforce the U.N. resolution, while 28 percent approved.

On Monday the White House pushed back against critics, saying that Obama consulted with members of Congress prior to the airstrikes.