Key facts
- Only 5% of Britons want more Israeli migrants, making them the second least wanted group after Russians.
- Nearly half of Britons (47%) want fewer or no Israeli migrants.
- Irish migrants are the most popular group among the British public.
- Anti-immigration sentiment in the UK has increased since 2016.
- UK-Israel relations are strained, with Benjamin Netanyahu criticizing Britain.
- British public opinion largely opposes Israel's actions in Gaza and supports potential sanctions.
A recent YouGov poll reveals that Israelis are the second least wanted migrant group in the UK, with only Russians being less desired. The study found that just one in 20 Britons favor allowing more Israeli migrants into the country, while nearly half believe the UK should admit fewer or no Israelis.
Overall, 23% of Britons want fewer Israelis admitted, and 24% want none at all. Only 24% believe the current number of Israelis in the UK is acceptable. In comparison, 34% of Britons stated that no Russian migrants should be allowed into the country. Migrants from Ireland were found to be the most popular, with 23% of Britons wanting more to be allowed in. Other relatively popular groups included Canadians, Australians, Swedes, and Germans. The poll also indicated a general rise in anti-immigration sentiment compared to a similar survey in 2016.
The poll's findings coincide with a period of strained relations between the UK and Israel. The British government is reportedly preparing to announce new policies concerning Israel in September, including a ban on goods from Israeli settlements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently criticized Britain, calling it an "Islamic republic" and lamenting the shift in British media coverage compared to the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Downing Street has condemned Netanyahu's remarks as "completely unacceptable."
Public opinion in Britain has increasingly hardened against Israel. A YouGov study from the previous year showed that 55% of the British public opposed Israel's actions in Gaza, with only 15% in support. Of those opposing Israel's actions, 82% believed the country was committing genocide. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of Britons (65%) expressed a desire for the UK to implement an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Netanyahu should he visit the country. Sources indicate that the British Foreign Office is considering new sanctions against individuals and organizations involved in the West Bank settler movement, following similar sanctions imposed last year on far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.