Security Concerns Overtake Global Image Drop in Israeli Election

Israeli voters are focused on security rather than the country's fading international standing as they prepare to cast ballots on October 27.

A Pew survey conducted between February and May 2026 found that a median of 67 percent of adults across 36 countries viewed Israel unfavorably. This statistic reflects a measurable drop in global opinion. Analysts note that while this number is high, it is not the primary factor driving the current electoral race.

The deteriorating image has manifested in specific incidents involving Israelis abroad. In July, tourists in Montenegro were reportedly confronted by people who accused them of taking a holiday from genocide. An Israeli woman stated that a Greek restaurant denied her service based on her nationality. A mother reported that she and her daughter were beaten in Thailand after identifying themselves as Israeli. In California, a couple checking into a hotel was asked by staff whether they were baby killers.

Yaakov Katz, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that criticism of the government's international explanations has not become a major electoral issue. He said many Israelis accept Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's argument that global hostility is rooted in antisemitism and will persist regardless of domestic policy. Katz warned that the average Israeli may not fully understand the long term consequences of losing support, particularly in the United States. He noted that many take reassurance from 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, after more than three years of war, other concerns carry greater weight. She said, “Israeli voters are very much one issue voters, and the issue in this election is security.” Peter Lerner, a former Israel Defense Forces international spokesman, agreed that foreign standing ranks behind divisions over Netanyahu and the split between the 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. The party B’Yachad, 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 is part of an effort to repair relations with world Jewry. The right wing party Amcha Yisrael, 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 and former government spokesman Eylon Levy discussed the topic on the JTA podcast “Waiting for 61.” He said candidates generally approach public diplomacy by asking how international relationships can advance national interests. He described the far right Otzma Yehudit Party’s approach as emphasizing toughness. Levy also criticized expectations on the left that more moderate conduct would quickly restore normal relations. He said a change of government would be unlikely to transform international perceptions immediately due to shifts in public opinion. He suggested that a more moderate administration could receive a grace period and gain goodwill from countries that profess support for Israel.