Feb 11 • 16:41 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Political Researcher: This Is How Israel Lost Its Moral Legitimacy in the West

A political researcher discusses the erosion of Israel's moral legitimacy in the West due to changing public opinion and internal political divisions regarding support for Israel.

In a recent analysis, Dr. Osama Abu Arshid, the executive director of Americans for Justice in Palestine, articulated that Israel's moral legitimacy has significantly diminished in the eyes of the world. He emphasized that changes in Western public opinion pose an existential threat to Israel's future as a state, particularly at a time when Prime Minister Netanyahu's government struggles to counteract the rapid decline of Israel's international reputation. This assessment was shared during a program titled 'Mawazine' on February 11, 2026, where the discussion centered on the shifting perceptions of Israel following the Gaza conflict.

Dr. Abu Arshid highlighted the deepening rifts within both major American political parties concerning their support for Israel. Notably, he pointed out that 79% of the Democratic base now views Israel negatively. He referenced former Vice President Kamala Harris's admission in her book that the Biden administration's stance on the Gaza conflict contributed to her electoral defeat in the 2024 presidential election, illustrating significant political ramifications stemming from this evolving discourse.

In the Republican Party, opposing voices have begun to emerge from the 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) movement, as illustrated by the positions of media figures like Tucker Carlson and influencer Candace Owens. This growing dissent within the right wing indicates a shifting landscape of support for Israel, further complicating the narrative surrounding its legitimacy and influence in American politics. As public perceptions continue to evolve, the implications for Israel's future could be profound, highlighting the urgent need for a reassessment of its policies and international relations.

📡 Similar Coverage