Around 78% of Britons view Israel as a serious threat to world peace, survey finds

A NatCen survey found that 78% of Britons view Israel as a serious threat to world peace, up from 48% 20 years ago and a 10% increase in the last year. Russia topped the list at 89%, followed by Israel, Iran (75%), the US (74%), North Korea (66%), China (62%), and Saudi Arabia (34%). The survey noted generational and political divides.

A new survey by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) found that approximately 78% of Britons view Israel as a serious threat to world peace, a sharp increase from 48% two decades ago and a 10% rise in the past year. The survey also showed that 74% of respondents view the US as a serious threat, double the figure from 2024. Russia was deemed the highest threat at 89%, followed by Israel, Iran (75%), the US, North Korea (66%), China (62%), and Saudi Arabia (34%). NatCen attributed Israel's declining reputation to its involvement in recent Middle East conflict, noting that perceptions shifted after the Gaza war and the Iran bombing campaign. The findings revealed significant political and generational divides: Conservative and Reform supporters were less likely to view Israel or the US as threats, while Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Green supporters were more critical. Younger Britons were more likely than older generations to see both Israel and the US as threats, indicating a generational shift in attitudes toward traditional democratic allies.