Netanyahu Leads Campaign as 67% Global Unfavorability Fails to Top Voter Concerns

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is entering the Oct. 27 election with a global image that has hit historic lows, yet analysts say most Israeli voters are prioritizing security over diplomatic standing. Reports of harassment against Israeli tourists in Europe, Asia, and the Americas have circulated widely, but these incidents are not driving the voting behavior of the country’s electorate.

The Pew Research Center conducted a poll between February and May 2026, finding that a median of 67% of adults across 36 countries hold an unfavorable view of Israel. This statistic coincides with growing diplomatic friction, as world leaders describe the military action in Gaza as disproportionate and some allies adjust their sanctions policies in response to violence in the West Bank.

Despite the negative international perception, the issue is barely factoring into the campaign. 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 situation as beyond their control. Katz, co-author of "While Israel Slept," said many citizens accept the argument that global opposition is often rooted in antisemitism rather than policy.

"There is the argument that Netanyahu makes, which is that no matter what we do, the whole world’s against us," Katz said. "People accept that argument, and to a large extent, they don’t push back on it. Why? Because part of it is true, right?" He added that the average Israeli does not fully grasp that declining support, particularly in the United States, could have existential consequences for the country.

Ofir Dayan, a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University, agreed that Israelis are aware of events abroad but consider them secondary to the ongoing war. She stated that voters are unlikely to choose a candidate based solely on their position on international relations because the issue is not a top priority. "Israeli voters are very much one-issue voters, and the issue in this election is security," Dayan said.

Peter Lerner, the former Israel Defense Forces spokesman for international press, described international standing as secondary to two main factors: whether Netanyahu remains in power and the political alignment of the left versus the right. He observed that candidates rarely discuss the topic in detail, and when they do, it is treated as a lower-tier concern compared to the threats surrounding the country.

Among the dozen or so parties expected to win Knesset seats, only a few have outlined plans to address the negative image. The B'Yachad Party, led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, proposes elevating the role of Diaspora Jewry by allowing a non-voting observer in the parliament. The right-wing Amcha Yisrael party includes two public diplomacy activists on its list, including Yoseph Haddad, who has expressed interest in the ministerial role.

Journalist Eylon Levy, a former government spokesman, noted that public diplomacy, or hasbara, is not a goal in itself for most candidates. He believes a moderate government elected on Oct. 27 would not magically boost Israel's standing but would likely secure a grace period of goodwill from allies who theoretically support the state.