Analyzing the trend, NatCen said Israel\u2019s reputation has \u201cseemingly suffered from its involvement in recent Middle East conflict.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo decades ago, a little under half regarded Israel as a serious threat to peace. By the autumn of 2024, by which point Gaza<\/a> had suffered heavy damage in the wake of Israel\u2019s response to the Hamas incursion on October 7, 2023, nearly three-quarters felt that way. And although that figure subsequently dropped a little in the autumn, to around two-thirds, in the subsequent survey this spring, following the Iran bombing campaign, 78% now saw Israel as a serious threat to global peace.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is, of course, plausible that, rather than simply judging Israel solely on the basis of its own actions, some people in Britain may fear the risk that developments involving Israel could trigger a much broader regional confrontation, as a catalyst for wider geopolitical instability in the Middle East.\u201d<\/p>\n Views on Israel vary across political spectrum<\/p>\n Views on Israel also differed significantly by political affiliation. Conservative and Reform supporters were less likely than Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Green supporters to regard Israel or the US as serious threats, while being more likely to view China, North Korea<\/a>, and Iran as threats.<\/p>\n The divide was particularly pronounced between Green and Reform supporters. Green voters were 26 percentage points more likely than Reform supporters to view Israel as a serious threat, and 46 points more likely to say the same of the US. Conversely, Reform supporters were more likely to regard China, North Korea, and Iran as threats, with gaps of 29, 30, and 35 points, respectively.<\/p>\n Views vary across age range<\/p>\n Another trend is that younger Britons are more likely than older generations to view the US and Israel as threats to global peace, suggesting a generational shift away from traditional perceptions of Britain\u2019s democratic allies.<\/p>\n \u201cThe findings suggest an important communication challenge for the government, which is central to its legitimacy to pursue the national interest,\u201d NatSec wrote. \u201cPublic consensus appears strongest where threats are immediate, visible, and easily understood, as in the case of Russia.<\/p>\nA Vote Green Party sign is seen outside a residential property in London, Britain, May 4, 2022. (credit: REUTERS\/HANNAH MCKAY)<\/p>\n