Why Israel’s Global Image Is Not a Major Election Issue for Israeli Voters

Why Israel’s Global Image Is Not a Major Election Issue for Israeli Voters

As Israel prepares for its October 27, 2026 election, the country is facing an unusual political reality: its international reputation has deteriorated sharply, but that issue does not appear to be a major factor in how many Israelis plan to vote.

Reports of hostility towards Israelis abroad have increased in recent months, while Israel has faced growing criticism over its military campaign in Gaza and policies in the West Bank. Yet for many voters, security, the October 7 attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the wider political divide between right and left remain much more important than Israel's global standing.

Israel’s International Reputation Has Declined

Israel's international image has faced serious pressure during the years of war. A Pew Research Center survey conducted between February and May 2026 found that across 36 countries, a median of 67% of adults expressed an unfavourable view of Israel.

The diplomatic pressure has also increased. Some governments have criticised Israel's military actions in Gaza, while policies and violence involving Israeli settlers in the West Bank have created additional tensions with countries that have traditionally maintained close relations with Israel.

At the same time, Israeli travellers have reported incidents of harassment and hostility in several countries. These reports have increased concerns about antisemitism and the safety of Israelis travelling abroad.

Security Remains the Main Election Issue

Despite these developments, Israel's international reputation is not at the centre of the 2026 election campaign.

Security remains the dominant concern for many voters. The October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack continues to shape political thinking, particularly because Israel has experienced years of conflict and military operations since then.

Experts quoted by the Jerusalem Post's report said voters are more focused on questions about who can protect Israel and how the country should respond to security threats than on whether Israel is receiving favourable coverage overseas.

That means foreign criticism may matter emotionally, but it does not necessarily translate into votes.

Netanyahu and the Political Divide

Another major factor is the continuing political struggle surrounding Netanyahu.

The election is widely viewed as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership and his handling of the security challenges facing Israel. At the same time, the contest reflects the broader divide between Israel's political right and left, with several centrist and opposition groups attempting to offer voters alternatives.

For many Israelis, therefore, the question is not simply whether Israel is popular internationally. It is whether Netanyahu or an alternative government is better equipped to deal with security, economic and domestic challenges.

Hasbara Faces a Difficult Challenge

Israel's efforts to explain its policies internationally are often described by the Hebrew term hasbara, or public diplomacy.

Several political figures and parties have discussed the need to improve Israel's relationship with international audiences and Jewish communities abroad. However, the issue has not become a central campaign theme.

Former government spokesman Eylon Levy told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that public diplomacy is generally viewed as a means of achieving national interests rather than a political objective on its own.

This highlights the difficulty facing any future Israeli government: changing international perceptions may require more than simply appointing new spokespeople or launching a new communications campaign.

Could a New Government Improve Israel’s Image?

A change of government could create an opportunity for Israel to rebuild some diplomatic relationships. A more moderate administration might receive a period of goodwill from governments and political groups that currently have serious disagreements with Israel.

However, experts caution that a change in leadership would not automatically reverse years of declining international support.

Israel's reputation has been shaped by the Gaza war, the wider regional conflict, settlement policies, humanitarian concerns and growing debates over Israel's conduct. Rebuilding trust would therefore likely take considerable time.

What the Election Could Mean for Israel

The October 27 election will determine more than Israel's next government. It could also influence the country's relationship with the United States, Europe, neighbouring countries and Jewish communities around the world.

For voters, however, international opinion appears to remain secondary to domestic security and political leadership.

The election demonstrates a significant gap between how Israel is viewed abroad and what Israeli voters consider most urgent at home. While the country's global image has become increasingly controversial, many Israelis continue to see security as the immediate priority.

The next government will therefore face a difficult balancing act: protecting Israel's security interests while also addressing the growing diplomatic and reputational challenges confronting the country.