Security concerns eclipse Israel's 67% unfavorable rating in final election week

With one day remaining before the Israeli election, domestic security concerns have overtaken the country's declining international image as the primary driver of voter decision-making. Political analysts indicate that the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack and internal divisions over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership now command more attention than Israel's standing abroad.

Recent incidents involving Israelis overseas have fueled domestic debate about the nation’s reputation. In July, tourists in Montenegro were reportedly confronted by locals who accused them of taking a holiday from genocide. An Israeli woman claimed a Greek restaurant denied her service based on her nationality, while a mother reported that she and her daughter were beaten in Thailand after identifying themselves as Israeli. A couple checking into a California hotel were asked if they were “baby killers.”

These anecdotes align with polling data showing a drop in global favorability. A Pew survey conducted between February and May found that a median of 67% of adults across 36 countries viewed Israel unfavorably. More world leaders have described military operations in Gaza as disproportionate, and policies in the West Bank have led some allies to impose sanctions or distance themselves diplomatically.

However, experts say this diplomatic strain has not yet translated into a decisive electoral factor. Yaakov Katz, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, stated that many Israelis accept the argument that foreign hostility is rooted in antisemitism and will persist regardless of policy shifts. He noted that while the average voter may not fully grasp the long-term consequences of declining support, reassurance from President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Netanyahu helps offset those worries.

Ofir Dayan, a senior fellow at Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies, emphasized that after more than three years of war, voters are prioritizing immediate safety. “Israeli voters are very much one-issue voters, and the issue in this election is security,” Dayan said. Peter Lerner, a former Israel Defense Forces international spokesman, agreed that foreign standing ranks behind divisions over Netanyahu and the left-right split.

Few of the roughly dozen parties expected to enter the Knesset have outlined specific public diplomacy proposals. B’Yachad, led by former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, proposed a non-voting parliamentary observer for Diaspora Jewish issues. Amcha Yisrael, led by former Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter, includes public diplomacy activists among its candidates, with Yoseph Haddad expressing interest in the ministerial role.

Eylon Levy, a former government spokesman, noted on a JTA podcast that a change in government is unlikely to transform international perceptions immediately. He suggested that a more moderate administration might receive a grace period and gain goodwill from countries that profess support for Israel.