February 1st, 2026 | NIck Edward

Nobody Likes Israel Anymore

It's a self-inflicted destiny.

For decades, Israel held a special place in Western hearts and minds. Post-World War II, the horrors of the Holocaust created deep sympathy, positioning Israel as a rightful homeland for Jews facing annihilation. In the Cold War era, it became a key ally against Soviet-backed Arab states, seen as a democratic outpost in a sea of dictatorships. The US poured in billions worth of aid, framing Israel as a moral and strategic partner. Even in Europe, guilt over the Holocaust kept support steady. Polls from the early 2000s showed net positive views in most Western countries, with Americans sympathizing more with Israelis than Palestinians by wide margins.

Things have changed.

Realize that the shift isn't sudden—it's been building, accelerated by recent events. In the US, once a rock-solid backer, support has plummeted. A Gallup poll shows only 46% of Americans sympathizing more with Israelis, down from highs in the 80s and 90s. Among Democrats, it's flipped: more now side with Palestinians. Young people under 30 oppose additional aid by nearly 70%. Even Republicans, traditionally pro-Israel, see cracks—half of those under 50 hold unfavourable views, up 15 points in three years. Globally, it's worse. Morning Consult data reveals net favourability dropped 18.5 points on average across 43 countries, declining in 42 of them. Rich nations like Japan, South Korea, and the UK saw steep falls, with views turning sharply negative.

Understand why former supporters are turning away. Many who backed Israel for its underdog story now see a different picture. Evangelical Christians in the US, once fervent due to biblical ties, are waning as religiosity declines—nones (non-religious) grew, and they lean Palestinian. In Europe, where Holocaust memory lingers, public opinion shifted post-Gaza war, with protests and boycotts reflecting frustration. Even Israelis notice: polls show eight in ten worry about eroding US support. This isn't just numbers; it's a profound loss of the moral high ground that once shielded Israel from criticism. Feel the weight of that—once a symbol of resilience, now increasingly viewed as an aggressor.

Harsh Realities Driving the Backlash

Cut through the noise and see the core issues. Israel's fall from favour stems from actions that alienated even steadfast allies. The Gaza war, dragging on for years, exposed brutal tactics to a global audience. Social media amplified images of civilian deaths, destroyed homes, and starving children, making denial impossible. Polls link this directly. Disapproval of Israel's military actions hit 60% in the US, with 41% believing support no longer serves national interests. In Europe, unfavourable views jumped 11 points since 2022. Why? Perceived excessive force—indiscriminate bombing, blockades causing famine-like conditions. Critics, including former supporters, call it disproportionate, even genocidal.

Notice how generational divides fuel this. Younger people, less tied to historical narratives, prioritize human rights and equality. In the US, sympathy for Palestinians doubled among under-30s. They see Israel's policies—settlements, West Bank occupation—as colonial, echoing global anti-imperialism. Declining religiosity plays in: Protestants and frequent churchgoers, once Israel's base, shrink, while non-religious groups grow and favour Palestinians. Even among Catholics, support erodes. Realize that this isn't anti-Semitism, it's backlash against specific policies. 

Add political polarization. Democrats, once split, unified against Israel's Gaza approach—69% unfavourable. Republicans hold firmer, but young ones waver, influenced by isolationist voices questioning endless aid. Globally, emerging powers like China, India, Brazil view Israel unfavourably, prioritizing Palestinian rights. In Muslim-majority nations, it's overwhelmingly negative, but even non-Muslim Asia sours. Feel the isolation building: UN condemnations outnumber those for all other countries combined. Attempts to counter with PR fail as videos of aid centers turned death traps spread. Understand that ignoring humanitarian calls only deepens the rift. Former allies, seeing hypocrisy in Western support for Ukraine but silence on Gaza, withdraw sympathy. This shift is real, driven by evidence, not bias.

Desperation and the Rush to Confront Iran

Now, grasp the dangerous fallout. With sympathy evaporating, Israel and its backers face a narrowing window. Polls show global isolation worsening—53% of Americans unfavourable, majorities in Europe calling for aid cuts. This pushes a sense of urgency: act now before support vanishes entirely. Enter Iran. Tensions with Tehran aren't new—proxy wars via Hezbollah, Hamas—but waning favour amplifies the compulsion to strike. Realize that leaders might calculate: hit Iran's nuclear sites while US backing lingers, before full isolation sets in. Better to act with some sympathy left than none.

See the logic, cold as it is. Israeli officials worry that if Iran goes nuclear amid global backlash, response options shrink. Polls show Israel is alarmed—80% concerned about US support drop. Netanyahu's government, facing domestic unrest, might view escalation as a distraction, rallying nationalists while shifting focus from Gaza failures. Supporters abroad, seeing MAGA cracks and Democratic hostility, push preemptive action. Historical parallels: Israel's 1981 Osirak strike on Iraq won short-term gains but long-term condemnation. Today, with Gaza's shadow, attacking Iran risks accelerating loss—more civilian casualties, regional chaos, further eroding moral standing.

But feel the trap: desperation breeds recklessness. Striking Iran could draw in the US, but with American opinion souring—only 32% back Israel's Gaza actions—backlash grows. Isolationists on the right question aid; progressives on the left demand ceasefires. Global powers like China, Russia exploit this, portraying Israel as aggressor. Understand that this cycle weakens Israel: economic boycotts, diplomatic snubs, military overstretch.

Yet, the urge persists—strike while the iron's warm, before total chill. This mindset, born of fear, could self-fulfill prophecy, hastening collapse of alliances.

In the end, recognize the path forward demands change. Clinging to force amid lost favour invites ruin. Shift to diplomacy, address Palestinian rights, rebuild trust. Otherwise, the fall deepens, leaving isolation in a hostile world.