Security Tops Global Image in Israeli Vote

Israeli voters approach the Oct. 27 election with a primary focus on security, largely setting aside the country's declining standing in global public opinion. This shift occurs despite a rise in international friction and a historic drop in Israel's image abroad. The upcoming ballot comes after months of reports detailing harassment of Israeli tourists in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In July, a group of tourists in Montenegro was reportedly confronted by locals who asked if they were taking a break from genocide. Similar incidents were reported in Greece, Thailand, and a California hotel in the US, where an Israeli couple was asked if they were baby killers.

The diplomatic environment has become increasingly hostile. A Pew poll conducted between February and May 2026 found that a median of 67% of adults across 36 countries held an unfavorable view of Israel. World leaders have described Israel's military action in Gaza as disproportionate, while some allies have imposed sanctions or pulled back from the region due to settler violence in the West Bank and government policy. Yet, experts say these external pressures are not driving the domestic vote.

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 diplomatic struggle as a problem beyond their direct control. Katz observed that many voters accept the argument that the world is against Israel regardless of its actions. He stated that the average Israeli does not fully grasp that declining support, particularly in the US, could have existential consequences for the country. Instead, many take comfort in President Donald Trump's endorsement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ofir Dayan, a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University, agreed that Israelis are aware of global developments but consider them secondary to more pressing domestic issues. Dayan explained that the country has been grappling with more than three years of war, making security the dominant concern. She described Israeli voters as one-issue voters in this cycle, with the issue being security and the threats surrounding them. The proximity of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack prevents a complete shift in voting patterns based on diplomatic standing.

Peter Lerner, a former Israel Defense Forces spokesman, added that international standing is secondary to the choice between Netanyahu or not Netanyahu, and the divide between left and right. He noted that very few candidates actively discuss global image, and when they do, it trails other issues. Most parties expected to win seats in the Knesset have not suggested detailed public diplomacy plans. The B'Yachad Party, led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, proposes elevating the importance of Diaspora Jewry by allowing a non-voting observer in parliament. The right-wing party Amcha Yisrael, led by Ofer Winter, includes public diplomacy activists on its candidate list.

Eylon Levy, a former government spokesman, said public diplomacy is not a goal in itself for most candidates, but rather a tool to achieve national interests. He noted a range of opinions on how to manage relations, from the far right's tough stance to the left's belief that normalizing behavior would snap relations back to normal. Levy suggested that while a new government might not magically boost Israel's standing, a more moderate administration could buy some goodwill from less-than-friendly allies.