Naftali Bennett warns Israel-US ties are weakening, urges overhaul of public diplomacy

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has issued a stark warning regarding the deteriorating relationship between Israel and the United States, emphasizing the urgent need to rebuild Israel's image in America. Speaking at the JNS International Policy Summit, Bennett stated that the alliance has entered a precarious period and that Israel can no longer assume unwavering support, particularly as "Brand Israel" faces negative perceptions for the first time since the state's inception.

“

Brand Israel was now viewed negatively by many Americans for the first time since the state’s founding.

Bennett cautioned against basing long-term national strategy on the personal support of any single U.S. president, even a strong ally like Donald Trump. He stressed that Israel has neglected public diplomacy for too long, leading to a situation where its standing in the U.S. has sharply declined. He attributed some of this damage to the conduct of the current Israeli government, calling for ministers who understand the importance of responsible international messaging.

“

That’s a disaster.

The former premier advocated for the creation of a serious national public diplomacy system capable of pushing back against anti-Israel narratives. He pointed to Qatar's significant investment in influence operations and international messaging as a model Israel should emulate for positive purposes. Bennett also linked rising global antisemitism to hostility toward Israel, warning of broader threats to Jewish communities. He concluded by calling for a "big, broad, Zionist, bipartisan government" to address these challenges, expressing his hope to lead such a coalition.

“

A nation cannot base its long-term strategy on a president who currently supports Israel.