by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – President Donald Trump’s popularity in Israel has fallen sharply following his administration’s agreement with Iran and a series of unusually blunt criticisms of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a new Kantar Institute survey published by Israel Hayom.
The poll, cited by Israeli commentator Amit Segal, found that Trump’s standing among Israelis has shifted dramatically in just three weeks. In late May, Trump held a 58 percent approval rating compared with 35 percent disapproval, making him one of the most popular political figures in Israel. The latest survey now shows his net favorability dropping from plus-16 points to minus-23 points.
The collapse appears especially pronounced among voters expected to play a decisive role in Israel’s next election. Three weeks ago, voters from the 2022 opposition bloc viewed Trump favorably by a 74-to-20 percent margin. The new poll found that 48 percent now hold a negative view of him, compared with 46 percent who remain favorable.
The decline comes amid growing Israeli criticism of Trump’s Iran agreement, which many opponents have described as a dangerous concession to Tehran. Critics argue the memorandum of understanding leaves Iran’s regime intact, offers sanctions relief and reconstruction aid, and could restrain Israel’s ability to act independently against Iran and its terror proxies.
The backlash has been intensified by Trump’s reported anger toward Netanyahu over Israel’s military operations in Lebanon. Trump recently confirmed reports that he used harsh language toward the Israeli leader during a tense phone call, saying he was “perturbed” by Netanyahu’s “constant fighting with Lebanon,” while also insisting he likes Netanyahu and works well with him.
According to multiple reports, Trump also warned Netanyahu that Israel could find itself “on its own” if it resumed military action against Iran and suggested the Israeli premier would have little choice but to accept a U.S.-brokered agreement with Tehran.
Netanyahu has responded cautiously, seeking to avoid an open rupture with Washington while publicly defending Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran, Hezbollah, and other hostile forces. Although Israel agreed in recent days to “hold fire” at Trump’s request, Netanyahu has emphasized that Jerusalem reserves the right to act when its national security is threatened.
For many Israelis, the issue is not merely diplomatic tone, but national survival. After decades of Iranian-backed violence across the Middle East—through Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other proxies—many are bewildered that Tehran could receive major economic relief while Israel is pressured to limit its military response.
The polling results could create an unexpected political opening for Netanyahu. Rather than campaigning on his once-close relationship with Trump, he may now seek to portray himself as the only Israeli leader willing to stand up to Washington when Israel’s security interests are at stake.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Latest News from Worthy News
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits remained relatively low in early August, offering another sign that widespread layoffs have yet to take hold even as hiring across the U.S. economy remains subdued.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a second preemptive airstrike in Gaza in two days Thursday, targeting a Hamas terror cell in Khan Yunis that Israeli military officials said was preparing an attack against Israeli forces.
The Trump administration has announced nearly $2 billion in health and humanitarian assistance for faith-based organizations, placing several major Christian ministries at the center of a reshaped U.S. foreign-aid strategy following sweeping cuts to USAID programs.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has cast doubt on a controversial Russian-led expansion of Hungary’s only nuclear power plant after record-low levels of the Danube River nearly forced its existing reactors into a complete shutdown.
The United States is preparing to send the USS George Washington aircraft carrier to the Middle East, replacing the USS Abraham Lincoln after an exceptionally long deployment supporting American military operations against Iran, according to an exclusive report by The Wall Street Journal.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are moving to deepen military cooperation under a new mutual-defense pact that Israeli analysts say could reshape the Middle East’s security architecture while reducing dependence on the United States and bypassing Israel.
Americans added another $21 billion in credit card debt during the second quarter of 2026, pushing outstanding balances to roughly $1.26 trillion and bringing consumer borrowing close to its record high.