Eight in 10 Aussies have negative view of Israel, poll shows

An overwhelming majority of Australians have a negative view of Israel, including 55% of those on the right, and 87% of young people, according to a new poll.

The Pew Research Centre survey, conducted between February 8 and May 13, with most questions asked after Israel and the US launched their military campaign against Iran on February 28, also found a five point increase in unfavourability since 2025, and a six point decrease in favourability.

Just 19% of Australians had a favourable view of Israel, made up of 4% whose view was “very favourable” and 15% “somewhat favourable”, while 79% had an unfavourable view – 49% very unfavourable and 31% somewhat unfavourable.

Broken down by age, 87% of 18-34s viewed Israel unfavourably, dropping to 81% for those aged 35-49, and 73% for the 50+ age bracket.

Of Australians who consider themselves left-wing, 94% have a negative opinion of Israel, compared to 85% of those in the centre, and 55% of those on the right.

Another 78% lacked confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “to do the right thing regarding world affairs”, up six points since 2025.

Majorities in most of the 36 countries surveyed also expressed an unfavourable view of Israel, including in the US, Canada, and in all European countries polled.

Of the Asian countries surveyed, all were majority unfavourable except for India, where 28% had a negative view, 32% had a negative view, and 40% did not answer.

In Africa, Kenyans, Ghanaians, and Nigerians were more favourable of Israel than not, while in South and Central American all countries polled were majority unfavourable except Peru on exactly 50%.

Header image: Mr Netanyahu (Israeli government).