Global image dip fails to top Israeli voter concerns before Tuesday ballot

Israeli voters are set to cast ballots on Oct. 27 with security at the forefront of their minds, largely setting aside concerns about the country’s deteriorating international reputation. Despite a surge in negative global perceptions and visible friction abroad, the election debate remains focused on internal security and the political landscape rather than foreign relations.

The shift in global opinion is documented in a Pew poll conducted between February and May 2026. The survey found that a median of 67% of adults across 36 countries held an unfavorable view of Israel. This decline coincides with a series of high-profile incidents where Israeli travelers faced hostility in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Specific reports include Israeli tourists in Montenegro being told to stay in their home country, a restaurant in Greece refusing service to an Israeli woman, and a mother and daughter being beaten in Thailand after identifying their nationality. In the United States, an Israeli couple in California was reportedly questioned about their background during a hotel check-in.

Diplomatic tensions have also risen. Several world leaders have described Israel’s military actions in Gaza as disproportionate. Additionally, violence by settlers in the West Bank has led some allied nations to reconsider their support or impose sanctions.

Yaakov Katz, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, noted that while there are complaints about the government’s effectiveness in explaining its policies, most Israelis view the global situation as partly out of their control. Katz said many accept the argument that the world is largely against Israel and that antisemitism would rise regardless of policy choices.

He observed that the average Israeli does not fully grasp the potential long-term consequences of declining support, particularly in the United States. Instead, citizens often find comfort in endorsements from leaders like President Donald Trump. Katz added that most people do not think far ahead in this context.

Ofir Dayan, a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University, agreed that Israelis are aware of global developments but view them as secondary to immediate security threats. She stated that voters are effectively one-issue voters in this election, with security being the dominant factor. The proximity of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack prevents a full shift in voting patterns based on diplomatic standing.

Peter Lerner, a former Israel Defense Forces spokesman, described international standing as secondary to two main issues: whether Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power and the ideological split between the left and the right. He noted that public diplomacy is rarely discussed in the campaign unless it ties directly to security threats.

Among the dozen or so parties expected to win seats in the Knesset, only a few have proposed specific plans to improve public image. The B’Yachad Party, led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, suggests elevating the role of Diaspora Jewry by creating a non-voting observer seat in parliament. Amcha Yisrael, a right-wing party, includes public diplomacy activists on its candidate list.

Journalist Eylon Levy, a former government spokesman, said that for most candidates, public diplomacy is not a goal in itself but a tool for achieving national interests. He noted a wide range of approaches, from the far right’s tough stance to the left’s belief that normal behavior would restore relations. Levy does not expect a new government to magically boost Israel’s standing but believes a more moderate administration would secure some goodwill from allies.

The election takes place against a backdrop of more than three years of war. While foreign hostility is visible, the domestic conversation remains anchored in the immediate aftermath of the Hamas-led terror attack of Oct. 7, 2023, and the subsequent security challenges.