Voters focus on security as Israel heads to polls

Israeli voters are set to cast ballots on October 27 with security dominating the agenda. While the nation's international reputation has declined, experts indicate this factor ranks behind domestic safety and political divisions.

Recent incidents have brought the issue of global perception into domestic conversation. In July, tourists in Montenegro were confronted by locals who accused them of vacationing from genocide. An Israeli woman reported being denied service at a Greek restaurant, and a mother and daughter were beaten in Thailand after identifying their nationality. In California, a couple checking into a hotel were asked if they were baby killers.

These anecdotes align with survey data showing a drop in global support. A Pew survey conducted from February to May found that a median of 67% of adults across 36 countries viewed Israel unfavorably. More world leaders have described military operations in Gaza as disproportionate, and some allies have imposed sanctions or distanced themselves due to policies in the West Bank.

Analysts argue that these external pressures have not shifted the internal voting calculus. Ofir Dayan, a senior fellow at Tel Aviv University, stated that Israeli voters are largely one-issue voters in this cycle. She identified security as the primary concern, noting that the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack remains central. Peter Lerner, a former Israel Defense Forces spokesman, agreed that foreign standing trails behind internal splits over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Yaakov Katz, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, said many Israelis accept the argument that hostility is rooted in antisemitism. He noted that while the average citizen may not fully grasp the long-term consequences of declining support, they find reassurance in President Donald Trump's endorsement of Netanyahu.

Few of the roughly dozen parties expected to enter the Knesset have detailed plans to repair the country's image. B’Yachad, led by former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, has proposed a non-voting parliamentary observer for Diaspora Jewish issues. The new right-wing party Amcha Yisrael has listed public diplomacy activists among its candidates. Journalist Eylon Levy noted on a podcast that candidates generally view international relations as a tool to advance national interests rather than a standalone policy goal.

Levy suggested that a change in government would not immediately transform international perceptions. He indicated, however, that a more moderate administration might receive a period of goodwill from countries that profess support for Israel.