Australian Poll Shows Israel Trails China in Favorability, Trump Support Hits Record Low

A Guardian Essential poll of 1,017 Australians conducted last week found that only 19 % of respondents expressed a favourable or very favourable view of Israel, compared with 24 % for China. Israel also recorded the second-highest share of negative or very negative attitudes at 46 %, behind Iran and Russia, which each attracted 57 % negative responses.

The Guardian

Israel remains a longstanding ally of Australia, yet diplomatic relations have been strained in recent years over accusations of antisemitism within Australia and over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Lebanon and the death of aid worker Zomi Frankcom following an Israeli Defence Forces strike on a humanitarian convoy.

The Guardian

The United States earned 29 % favourable; Palestine, Iran, Russia and Syria earned 21 %, 11 %, 13 % and 15 % respectively. Negative attitudes peaked at 57 % for Iran and Russia, followed by Israel at 46 %. Women gave Israel a 14 % positive rating; age groups 35-54, 18-34 and 55 + rated Israel 18 %, 19 % and 21 % favourably. Former U.S. President Donald Trump was viewed favourably by 28 % of respondents, down from 36 % in June 2024, with higher support among men (37 %) than women (20 %). The poll’s wording differed from earlier surveys, limiting direct comparison.

The Guardian

The poll’s findings may shape Australian diplomatic priorities and political calculations, as public preference for China over Israel and waning support for former President Donald Trump intersect with party alignments. Higher Trump favourability among men and One Nation supporters suggests foreign-policy attitudes vary by gender and party.

The Guardian

The Albanese government criticised Israel for alleged activist abuse, the Lebanon assault, and the death of aid worker Zomi Frankcom after an Israeli Defence Forces strike on a Gaza convoy.

The Guardian

Critics link Israel’s Gaza and Lebanon actions to the poll’s negative perception, citing human-rights concerns and activist treatment. Low female support reflects domestic opposition to recent Israeli military conduct.

The Guardian

• "Australians have a more negative view of Israel than of China, the latest Guardian Essential poll has found." — Guardian Essential poll, The Guardian

The Guardian

• "Only 19% of respondents had a favourable view of Israel." — Guardian Essential poll, The Guardian

The Guardian

• "Only 28% of respondents had favourable or very favourable views of the US president, down from 36% in June 2024." — Guardian Essential poll, The Guardian

The Guardian

• "Just 14% of women said they had a positive attitude towards Israel." — Guardian Essential poll, The Guardian

The Guardian

• "Trump’s favourability among Australians reached its all-time low of 21% in November 2020." — Guardian Essential poll, The Guardian

The Guardian