3 out of 4 against Israel: the sharp crash in one of Europe's greatest friends

A Pew survey finds that 3 out of 4 Italians hold a negative view of Israel, and 88% express little or no confidence in Prime Minister Netanyahu. Additional polls show growing support for sanctions and severing ties. Israel's ambassador to Italy admits: public opinion support is lacking.

A Pew Research Center survey reveals that 3 out of 4 Italians hold a negative view of Israel, and 88% expressed little or no confidence in Prime Minister Netanyahu. A July Ixè poll found that 61.2% of Italians support severing ties with Israel, including 53% of center-right voters and 47% of right-wing voters. An October Eumetra poll showed that 51.3% support imposing sanctions on Israel. Israel's ambassador to Italy, Peled, described Italian public opinion as a major challenge and recommended strengthening familiarity with Israel. The article also reports on a controversy surrounding a visit by Israeli and American educational delegations to the Reggio Children center in Rome, following a protest demanding a disavowal of the Netanyahu government's policies.