Latest Survey: Netanyahu Gets Global 'Red Card', Indonesia Plays Part

A majority of the public in 36 countries holds negative views of Israel and shows a low level of trust in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The findings were revealed in the latest survey released by the Pew Research Center on Thursday (5/6/2026).

In its report, the Pew Research Center stated that an average of 67% of adult respondents across 36 countries viewed Israel negatively, while only 25% held a positive view of the country. The survey was conducted between 8 February and 13 May 2026.

‘Majorities in most countries surveyed say they have little or no confidence in Benjamin Netanyahu to do the right thing regarding world affairs,’ the Pew Research Center wrote in its report.

Negative sentiment towards Israel was recorded as very high in several Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey, as well as the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The survey also showed that Netanyahu faces widespread distrust in various parts of the world. Only in Kenya and the Philippines did more than half of respondents express confidence in the Israeli leader to handle global issues.

The Pew Research Center noted that negative perceptions of Israel have strengthened compared to last year. Of the 24 countries with comparative data, 13 countries experienced an increase in negative views of Israel since 2025.

These survey results reflect the diplomatic challenges Israel continues to face amid international scrutiny over various geopolitical developments and conflicts occurring in the Middle East region.