Netanyahu admits decrease in popularity among US public, blames it on social media

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a decline in Israel's and his administration's popularity among the American public, attributing it to social media. Recent polls, including a July survey by the Pew Research Center, indicate a growing negative perception, with favorable views of the Israeli government falling to 32% in 2026 from 41% in 2019. Netanyahu stated in an ABC News interview, "there's been a change because of the proliferation of social media, and the fact that sovereign countries have manipulated with bot farms and other things." He expressed concern, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan support for Israel's national security. This comes amidst mounting international scrutiny, including arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court in November 2024 for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister over alleged war crimes in Gaza.