Tel Aviv – According to a new poll conducted among Israelis, an overwhelming majority are increasingly worried about the international repercussions of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, from diplomatic isolation and rising antisemitism overseas to increased antisemitism within their own nation. The findings reflect growing disquiet about how such protracted conflict affects Israel’s global standing.
Survey Findings
According to a poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute, nearly 62% of respondents expressed fear over long-term damage caused by Israel’s involvement in this conflict on its international standing and relationships with key allies such as the US and EU.
This survey provided insight into generational differences, with younger Israelis being more likely to express concerns over travel restrictions, boycotts and economic sanctions while older respondents focused more on an erosion of traditional diplomatic support.
“These figures indicate that Israelis are acutely aware of the war’s wider political and diplomatic ramifications,” noted one of the researchers who oversaw this poll: Dr. Tamar Hermann.
Diplomatic Pressures Mounting Systems
Israel has come under increasing fire from international organizations and foreign governments over its high civilian casualty rate in Gaza. United Nations agencies have charged Israel with excessive force while multiple European capitals have warned their patience is running thin.
The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has expressed support for its right to defend itself while calling for stronger measures to safeguard civilians. President Joe Biden’s administration is under increasing pressure within his Democratic Party to adopt tougher positions as images of destruction continue to haunt global news coverage.
Concerns Over Antisemitism Abroad
Survey results also demonstrated that 58% of Israelis believe the Gaza war is exacerbating global antisemitism; Jewish communities throughout Europe and North America have noted an upsurge in harassment incidents as a result of this conflict.
“People perceive Israel’s actions to be having an adverse effect on Jewish communities abroad, who become targets of animus and hostility,” according to Rabbi David Rosen, an interfaith leader based in Jerusalem. This burden falls heavily upon world Jewry; Israelis are beginning to realize this fact.”
Economic and Cultural Fallout
Israelis worry about the economic repercussions of global backlash. Tourism officials report a drop in visitor numbers, while cultural figures voice concern about boycotts against Israeli artists and institutions. Tech executives — an integral component of Israel’s economy — fear losing access to international partnerships and markets.
Yael Cohen, an Israeli entrepreneur from Tel Aviv, noted: “Israel has built its reputation on innovation and creativity, but if war and destruction become all-consuming for people around us then that reputation could be at stake.”
Outlook
While Israelis still support the government’s military objectives in Gaza, according to this survey they express growing anxiety over its long-term costs. Analysts state that Israel’s leadership must strive to strike a balance between domestic security goals and maintaining international relationships in order to balance domestic safety goals with maintaining international ones.
As the war drags on, its global fallout is becoming an ever more pressing challenge to Israeli civilians in their homes, workplaces and daily lives.