British Poll Shows Rising Opposition to Immigration from Israel Comparable to Pakistan

A recent YouGov survey in the United Kingdom reveals a significant increase in British opposition to immigration from Israel, nearly matching the levels of opposition to immigrants from Pakistan and Russia. Compared to a similar survey conducted a decade ago, there has been an 8% rise in the proportion of Britons who believe immigration from Israel should be reduced or completely stopped. Analysts attribute this shift largely to the impact of the Gaza war and the subsequent deterioration of Israel's image in global public opinion.

The survey, which examined British attitudes toward immigration from 23 countries, found that 47% of respondents want to reduce or block immigration from Israel. Only Russia (58%), Pakistan (52%), and Nigeria (48%) scored worse in this regard. Other countries with high opposition include Romania (47%), Egypt (44%), India (44%), and Turkey (43%). Conversely, countries from the Anglosphere such as Ireland (69%), Canada (68%), and Australia (68%) enjoy much more favorable views.

Only 5% of respondents support increasing immigration from Israel, while 24% favor maintaining current levels and another 24% were undecided. Overall, just 29% of Britons support continuing to accept immigrants from Israel at current or higher rates, a figure surpassed only by Russia, Nigeria, and Pakistan in negative sentiment.

The survey also highlights political divides: supporters of the right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, show the strongest opposition to immigration from Israel (53%), consistent with their broader anti-immigration stance. Green Party supporters, despite generally welcoming immigrants from most countries, also show high opposition to Israeli immigrants (52%). Labour and Conservative supporters show somewhat lower but still significant opposition (48% and 45%, respectively).

The survey reflects broader trends in British immigration attitudes, with increased opposition to immigrants from Russia and India, possibly linked to geopolitical events and rising numbers of immigrants, while opposition to Polish immigrants has declined sharply, likely due to their successful integration. The findings suggest immigration will remain a key issue in UK politics, especially ahead of the next general election, expected by 2029 but possibly sooner.