Israeli Election: Security Concerns Outweigh Global Image Decline

A sharp decline in Israel's international reputation has raised questions about its diplomatic standing, yet domestic analysts argue this factor will not determine the outcome of the October 27 election. Security concerns, the lasting impact of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, and internal political divisions over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu currently hold greater weight for voters.

The erosion of global goodwill is documented in recent incidents and survey data. A Pew Research Center survey conducted between February and May found that a median of 67% of adults across 36 countries view Israel unfavorably. This shift coincides with reports of hostility toward Israelis abroad, including a confrontation in Montenegro in July and an alleged beating of a mother and daughter in Thailand after they identified as Israeli. In California, a couple checking into a hotel was asked if they were "baby killers," while a Greek restaurant reportedly denied service to an Israeli woman.

Yaakov Katz, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that international criticism has not become a major electoral issue. He noted that many Israelis accept Netanyahu's position that global hostility stems from antisemitism rather than current policy. Katz added that the average voter may underestimate the long term risks of losing support, particularly in the United States, though they find 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 while Israelis are aware of foreign hostility, three years of war have prioritized domestic security. "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, agreed, placing foreign standing behind internal party divisions.

Few of the roughly dozen parties expected to enter the Knesset have detailed public diplomacy plans. B’Yachad, led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, proposes creating a non-voting parliamentary observer for Diaspora Jewish issues. The right-wing party Amcha Yisrael, led by former Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter, lists public diplomacy activists Yoseph Haddad and Fleur Hassan-Nahoum on its ballot. Haddad has expressed interest in the public diplomacy minister role.

Eylon Levy, a former government spokesman, told JTA’s “Waiting for 61” podcast that a change in government would not immediately alter international perceptions. He suggested that a more moderate administration might receive a temporary grace period from allies, but noted that shifting public opinion in other countries takes time.