A 58% majority of Israelis believe their country is not respected globally, with 15% stating it is not at all respected. Conversely, 40% of Israelis feel that Israel is respected internationally, including 9% who say it is much respected. These perceptions are influenced by various factors, including ideological leanings and views on Israel’s military actions.
IDEOLOGICAL INFLUENCE
Israelis on the ideological left are particularly likely to feel that their country is not respected, with two-thirds holding this view, including 27% who say Israel is not at all respected abroad.
Those who believe Israel’s military response against Hamas has been excessive are more inclined to think Israel is not respected globally. In contrast, those who find the military response appropriate are more likely to say Israel is respected.
IMPORTANCE OF GLOBAL RESPECT
Despite only 40% of Israelis believing their country is respected internationally, a significant majority (83%) consider it very or somewhat important for Israel to gain global respect. This includes 59% who deem it very important.
DEMOGRAPHIC VARIATIONS
Jewish Israelis are more likely than Arab Israelis to emphasize the importance of international respect (93% vs. 46%). Among Jewish Israelis, nearly seven-in-ten say this is very important.
Ideologically, Israelis on the right and centre (90% each) are more likely than those on the left (65%) to value international respect for Israel.
RISING ANTISEMITISM: A COMMON CONCERN
A substantial 83% of Israelis believe antisemitism is common worldwide, with nearly half (49%) saying it is very common. This concern is more pronounced among Jewish Israelis compared to Arab Israelis (91% vs. 51%).
PERCEPTIONS OF INCREASE:
Seventy percent of Israelis think antisemitism is increasing globally. An additional 21% believe it is staying about the same, while only 5% feel it is decreasing.
Among Israeli Jews, 79% perceive a rise in antisemitism, compared to 38% of Israeli Arabs. Younger Arabs (under 50) are more likely than older ones to think antisemitism is on the rise (42% vs. 28%).
VIEWS ON ISLAMOPHOBIA
Two-thirds of Israelis believe Islamophobia is common globally, with around a third (34%) saying it is very common. However, Israeli Jews are less likely to view Islamophobia as common compared to antisemitism (68% vs. 91%). Nevertheless, they are still more likely than Israeli Arabs (59%) to see Islamophobia as prevalent.
TRENDS IN ISLAMOPHOBIA:
A majority of Israelis (58%) think Islamophobia is increasing around the world. Another 26% say it is staying the same, while 12% believe it is decreasing.
Israeli Jews are more likely than Israeli Arabs to see an increase in Islamophobia (62% vs. 40%). Conversely, Arabs are more likely to think it is decreasing (26% vs. 9%).
The survey highlights significant concerns among Israelis regarding their country’s international respect and the prevalence of antisemitism and Islamophobia. These views vary significantly across different demographic and ideological groups, reflecting the complex nature of public opinion in Israel. The findings underscore the importance of addressing these concerns through informed public policies and international diplomacy.
