67% Global Unfavorability Fails to Top Israeli Security Concerns

Israeli voters are preparing to cast ballots on Oct. 27 with security as their primary concern, largely setting aside the country's deteriorating global image. A Pew poll conducted between February and May found that a median of 67% of adults across 36 countries held an unfavorable view of Israel. Despite this historic low in international perception, the issue is not driving the current electoral campaign.

Reports of harassment against Israeli tourists have increased in recent months. In July, a group visiting Montenegro was confronted by locals who asked, “Taking a break from genocide?” and told them to stay in Israel. An Israeli woman in Greece claimed a restaurant refused service to her after she identified her nationality. In Thailand, a mother and daughter were allegedly beaten after revealing they were from Israel, while a couple checking into a hotel in California were asked if they were “baby killers.”

Diplomatic tensions have also risen as world leaders describe Israel’s military action in Gaza as “disproportionate.” Some nations, including traditional allies, have imposed sanctions or pulled back support due to violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and government policy there. Yet, experts say these diplomatic frictions are secondary to domestic priorities.

Yaakov Katz, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that many Israelis view their global image as a problem beyond their immediate control. He noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argues that the world is against Israel regardless of its actions. “People accept that argument, and to a large extent, they don’t push back on it. Why? Because part of it is true, right?” Katz said. He added that most citizens believe the rise in antisemitism would occur even if the number of people killed in Gaza were lower.

Katz observed that the average Israeli does not fully grasp how declining support, particularly in the United States, could have “existential consequences for the country.” He stated, “Most people here don’t think that far ahead.” Instead, voters take comfort in endorsements from figures such as President Donald Trump.

Ofir Dayan, a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University, acknowledged that Israelis are aware of events abroad but consider other issues more pressing after more than three years of war. She said, “Israeli voters are very much one-issue voters, and the issue in this election is security.” Dayan argued that the country is not yet remote enough from the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack for voters to shift their choices based on international relations.

Peter Lerner, a former Israel Defense Forces spokesman for the international press, told JTA that Israel’s international standing is secondary to two main factors: whether Netanyahu remains in power and the balance between left and right parties. He said, “you just don’t see very many talking about it and when they do talk about it, it is secondary to everything else.”

Among the dozen or so parties expected to win Knesset seats, only a few have proposed specific plans to improve public diplomacy. The B’Yachad Party, led by former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, aims to repair ties with world Jewry by allowing a non-voting observer in the Knesset to focus on Diaspora issues. Amcha Yisrael, a right-wing party led by former IDF Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter, includes public diplomacy activists Yoseph Haddad and Fleur Hassan-Nahoum on its list. Haddad has stated he would like to serve as Israel’s next minister for public diplomacy.

Eylon Levy, a former Israeli government spokesman, told JTA’s “Waiting for 61” podcast that public diplomacy is “not a goal in itself” for most candidates. He described the Otzma Yehudit Party’s approach as making Israel look tough, while noting that the left believes relations will normalize if Israel behaves like a “normal country.” Levy does not expect a massive shift in global perceptions if a new government is elected, but he believes a more moderate administration would buy Israel some goodwill from allies.