A debate is emerging over whether Israel is becoming increasingly isolated or continuing to expand its key strategic relationships, as diverging trends in public opinion and diplomatic engagement become apparent. While polls show a significant drop in public support for Israel in the United States and globally, particularly among Democrats and younger voters, some officials and foreign policy experts argue that government-to-government cooperation remains strong and is even growing in certain regions.
Former President Donald Trump recently predicted that more countries would soon join the Abraham Accords, agreements brokered by his administration in 2020 that normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Trump reiterated his administration's goal of expanding these accords, linking a potential U.S. civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to the kingdom joining the Abraham Accords.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon asserted that the claim of Israel's isolation is false. "While the campaign to dismantle the Hamas terrorist organization has drawn international criticism, Israel’s relationships with other countries have not weakened. They have evolved," Danon told Fox News Digital. He pointed to evolving diplomatic relationships and increasing cooperation with many South American countries.
Richard Goldberg, a former White House national security official, argued that Israel retains strong support among conservatives. "Polling in the United States shows massive support among conservatives and Republicans, including self-described MAGA, for Israel still," Goldberg stated. He cited this support as reflected among conservative candidates and parties globally. Goldberg also highlighted political shifts in Latin America, expanding partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean, and ongoing defense and technology relationships as evidence against comprehensive strategic isolation.
However, polling data presents a contrasting picture. A Reagan Institute survey indicated that while 80% of self-identified MAGA Republicans believe Israel's security matters to U.S. security, this figure was lower among the broader American electorate and Democrats. A Pew Research Center survey found that a median of 67% of adults across 36 countries viewed Israel unfavorably. In the U.S., 60% of adults held an unfavorable view, a significant increase from previous years, with 80% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents expressing negative sentiment.
Gallup reported in February that Israel no longer held a statistically significant advantage over the Palestinians in Americans' sympathies, a shift from 2023 when more sympathized with Israelis. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel noted this erosion, stating, "Support for Israel around the world is declining."
Emanuel's assessment focuses on declining public legitimacy and strained positions in traditional diplomatic institutions. In contrast, Goldberg and Danon emphasize expanding government-to-government relationships in areas such as defense, intelligence, energy, technology, and trade. Goldberg specifically mentioned newly elected conservative governments in Latin America re-establishing ties with Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean partnerships involving Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.
Danon added that diplomatic shifts are visible even within the United Nations, noting cooperation with many South American countries and ongoing discussions with ambassadors from around the world, including Arab nations.
Goldberg suggested that Israel is increasingly building relationships based on durable national interests. He acknowledged that relationships driven by conservative political victories could be vulnerable to government changes. The potential impact of changing Israeli leadership on international opposition was also raised, with Goldberg questioning whether criticism is directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or at the existence of a Jewish state.
These competing trends suggest that while Israel may be experiencing a decline in public support and influence in international bodies, it is simultaneously preserving and potentially expanding strategic government-to-government cooperation.