Israel's reputation problem runs deeper than PR

Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel on Sunday, an act that drew a public rebuke from US President Donald Trump. Trump publicly ordered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate, telling the Financial Times that Netanyahu "won't have any choice" as the US president "calls all the shots." Netanyahu proceeded with a strike, likely prioritizing domestic political considerations in an election year over upsetting Trump.

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won’t have any choice

This incident occurred amid reports of the Defense Intelligence Agency investigating Israeli espionage against the United States. Trump reportedly told Netanyahu he was "f***ing crazy" and that "everybody hates Israel." Recent Pew Research Center surveys underscore this sentiment, with 60% of Americans holding an unfavorable view of Israel, an increase from the previous year. Globally, two in three people in 36 surveyed countries also expressed unfavorable views of Israel and Netanyahu.

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Mr. Security

Bipartisan opposition to the war in Iran and unconditional aid to Israel is mounting in Congress. As Israel's 10-year, $38 billion aid agreement approaches renewal, criticism is intensifying. Eighty-five House Democrats have urged Trump to press Netanyahu to halt the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and the demolition of Palestinian homes. The article argues that Israel's declining standing is directly linked to its policies, particularly its extensive military actions since October 7, rather than solely public relations failures.

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60% of Americans have an unfavorable view of Israel, up from 53% last year

The author acknowledges that while not believing Israel committed genocide, the extensive bombing, high civilian death toll, destruction of infrastructure, and blocking of aid in Gaza could lead many to feel that way. The situation in Lebanon is described as a repeat of costly mistakes from the 1982 war, with Israel again occupying territory, causing displacement, and bombing Beirut, which Iran cited as a reason for its missile attacks.

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two in three people in most of the 36 countries surveyed hold unfavorable views of Israel and Netanyahu