Israel Election: Security Concerns Outweigh Global Image Drop

Israeli voters are expected to prioritize security over the country's declining global image in the election scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27. Experts indicate that while international hostility has risen sharply, it remains a secondary concern for the electorate compared to domestic safety and political alignment.

Reports of harassment against Israeli citizens abroad have increased over the past few months. In July, Israeli tourists in Montenegro were confronted by locals who questioned their presence. Similar incidents occurred in Greece, where a restaurant reportedly refused service to an Israeli woman, and in Thailand, where a mother and daughter were allegedly beaten. In the United States, an Israeli couple in California was asked if they were "baby killers" upon checking into a hotel.

These events align with a sharp drop in global perception. A Pew poll conducted between February and May found that a median of 67% of adults across 36 countries hold an unfavorable view of Israel. Diplomatic friction has also grown, with some allies imposing sanctions or pulling back support due to military actions in Gaza and settler violence in the West Bank.

Yaakov Katz, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that most Israelis view the image crisis as beyond their immediate control. He noted that many accept the argument that the world is already against Israel and that antisemitism would persist regardless of government policy. Katz stated that the average voter does not fully grasp that declining support, particularly in the US, could have long-term existential consequences.

Ofir Dayan, a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University, agreed that Israelis are aware of the diplomatic challenges. However, she explained that the country has been at war for more than three years, making security the dominant issue. Dayan described Israeli voters as "one-issue voters" in this election, with security and the Oct. 7, 2023, attack taking precedence over foreign relations.

Peter Lerner, a former Israel Defense Forces spokesman, added that international standing is secondary to the choice between the Netanyahu government and its opponents. He observed that public diplomacy is rarely a central campaign topic, with parties focusing instead on who is best suited to handle regional threats.

Only a few of the dozen parties expected to win Knesset seats have proposed specific public diplomacy plans. 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 parliament. The right-wing Amcha Yisrael party includes two prominent public diplomacy activists on its candidate list.

Eylon Levy, a former government spokesman, noted that most candidates view public diplomacy as a tool for achieving national interests rather than a goal in itself. While he does not believe a new government will magically boost Israel's standing, Levy said a more moderate administration would likely gain some goodwill from allied nations.