67% Unfavorable: Israel's Global Standing Lags Behind Security Priorities

Israelis face a choice between domestic security concerns and their nation's shrinking diplomatic influence in the election held on October 27. Analysts indicate that the country's deteriorating international image has not become the primary factor shaping voter intent. Instead, the legacy of the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and internal political divisions hold greater weight on the ballot.

A survey by the Pew Research Center, fielded between February and May, quantified the diplomatic strain. The study found that a median of 67% of adults in 36 countries viewed Israel unfavorably. This data point sits alongside rising international criticism of military operations in Gaza and tensions over settler violence in the West Bank. Several nations, including traditional allies, have moved to distance themselves from Israeli policies or impose new sanctions.

Domestic incidents have amplified these statistical trends for the average Israeli. Reports circulated in recent months of Israelis facing hostility abroad. In July, tourists in Montenegro were confronted by locals accusing them of holidaying from genocide. An Israeli woman was denied service at a Greek restaurant based on her nationality. In Thailand, a mother and daughter were beaten after identifying themselves as Israeli, while a couple in California was asked if they were baby killers during a hotel check-in.

Yaakov Katz, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, argued that this external criticism has not translated into a decisive electoral issue. He noted that many Israelis accept the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contention that global hostility stems from deep-seated antisemitism rather than specific policy choices. Katz warned that the average voter may underestimate the long-term consequences of declining support, particularly in the United States. However, he acknowledged that reassurances like President Donald Trump's endorsement of Netanyahu provide a sense of security for the electorate.

Ofir Dayan, a senior fellow at Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies, stated that Israelis are aware of and troubled by foreign hostility. Yet, after more than three years of war, immediate safety concerns dominate the political conversation. Dayan characterized the electorate as focused on a single major theme for this specific contest. Israeli voters are very much one-issue voters, and the issue in this election is security, she said.

Peter Lerner, a former Israel Defense Forces international spokesman, concurred with this assessment. He told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that foreign standing currently ranks behind the internal division over Netanyahu and the split between left-wing and right-wing factions. This hierarchy of concerns is reflected in the campaign platforms of the roughly dozen parties expected to enter the Knesset. Few have made the country’s image or public diplomacy a central part of their proposals.

The B’Yachad party, led by former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, has proposed creating a non-voting parliamentary observer focused on Diaspora Jewish issues. This measure aims to repair relations with the global Jewish community. On the right, the new party Amcha Yisrael, led by former IDF Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter, includes public diplomacy activists on its ticket. Candidate Yoseph Haddad has repeatedly expressed interest in becoming public diplomacy minister.

Eylon Levy, a journalist and former government spokesman, discussed the diplomatic landscape on the JTA’s Waiting for 61 podcast. He observed that candidates generally frame public diplomacy through the lens of national interest. Levy described the far-right Otzma Yehudit Party’s approach as emphasizing toughness. He also criticized left-wing expectations that more moderate conduct would quickly restore normal relations.

Levy suggested that a change of government would not immediately transform international perceptions. Given the shifts in public opinion and policymakers’ expectations, a new administration would face an uphill battle. Nevertheless, he suggested that a more moderate leadership could receive a grace period and gain goodwill from countries that profess support for Israel.