Australians hold a more negative view of Israel than of China, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll. The survey of 1,017 people found that only 19% of respondents had a favourable or very favourable view of Israel, compared with 24% for China. The United Kingdom received the highest favourability rating at 53%, followed by European nations at 47% and Ukraine at 41%.
Israel's favourability among demographic groups
Women and middle-aged Australians exhibited the least positive perception of Israel. Just 14% of women said they had a positive attitude towards Israel. Among age groups, those aged 35 to 54 were the least favourable, with 18% holding a positive view, compared with 19% for those aged 18 to 34 and 21% for those 55 and over.
Countries with the highest negative ratings were Iran and Russia, both at 57%, followed by Israel at 46%, Syria at 44%, and Palestine at 41%. Palestine's favourability stood at 21%, slightly above Israel's 19%.
Diplomatic context and tensions
While Australia has had disagreements or conflicts with Russia, Iran, and China, Israel is a longstanding ally. However, diplomatic tensions have risen in recent years over antisemitism in Australia and responses to Israel's military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. The Albanese government has criticised Israel over the alleged abuse of activists, the assault on Lebanon, and the death of aid worker Zomi Frankcom in an IDF strike on an aid convoy in Gaza.
The poll questions differed from previous surveys, making it unclear how attitudes have shifted over time.
Trump's favourability declines
The poll also found that Australians' perception of Donald Trump has soured since his re-election. Only 28% of respondents viewed Trump favourably, down from 36% in June 2024. His favourability among Australians reached an all-time low of 21% in November 2020.
Trump is more popular among men (37% favourability) than women (20%). By age, 23% of those 55 and over viewed him favourably, compared with 31% of 18-34s and 33% of 35-54s. Among political affiliations, One Nation voters had the most positive view at 45%, followed by Coalition voters at 34%, Labor at 24%, Greens at 11%, and minor party or independent voters at 8%.
