Security Fears Outweigh 67% Global Unfavorable Rating in Israeli Election

Israeli voters face a choice between domestic security and international reputation ahead of the October 27 election, with most prioritizing the former. Analysts indicate that the country's deteriorating image abroad has not shifted the primary focus of the electorate, which remains fixed on national safety and political divisions.

A survey by Pew Research Center conducted between February and May found that 67% of adults in 36 countries viewed Israel unfavorably. This statistic sits alongside specific incidents reported in Israeli media, including tourists in Montenegro being confronted in July over a "holiday from genocide." In other instances, an Israeli woman was denied service at a Greek restaurant, a mother and daughter were beaten in Thailand, and a couple in California was asked at a hotel if they were "baby killers."

Yaakov Katz, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, noted that criticism of the government's international explanations has not become a major electoral issue. He explained that many Israelis accept Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's argument that global hostility stems from antisemitism rather than policy. Katz warned that the average voter may underestimate the consequences of declining support, particularly in the United States, though they take comfort in President Donald Trump's endorsement of Netanyahu.

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. However, she argued that after more than three years of war, other concerns carry greater weight. "Israeli voters are very much one-issue voters, and the issue in this election is security," she said. Former Israel Defense Forces international spokesman Peter Lerner agreed, adding that foreign standing ranks behind divisions over Netanyahu and between the political left and right.

Few of the roughly dozen parties expected to enter the Knesset have addressed the country’s image or outlined 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, a new right-wing party led by former IDF Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter, includes public diplomacy activists Yoseph Haddad and Fleur Hassan-Nahoum among its candidates. Haddad has expressed interest in becoming public diplomacy minister.

Journalist Eylon Levy told JTA’s “Waiting for 61” podcast that candidates generally view public diplomacy through the lens of national interests. He described the far-right Otzma Yehudit Party as emphasizing toughness, while criticizing left-wing expectations that moderate conduct would quickly restore normal relations. Levy suggested a change of government would not immediately transform international perceptions, but noted a more moderate administration might receive a grace period and gain goodwill from allies.

The election takes place on October 27, with parties expected to debate security and governance rather than foreign policy. The 67% unfavorable rating from the Pew survey provides a backdrop of diplomatic strain, yet the ballot remains focused on domestic stability and the political legacy of the war.