Israel’s ability to secure international support in its war with Gaza is currently facing significant challenges, with traditional allies expressing disillusionment, declining public approval in the West, and mounting calls for humanitarian accountability13. To regain or strengthen outside support, Israel would need to pursue several strategic and diplomatic measures.

Essential actions to increase foreign support:

• Moderate military operations and emphasize civilian protection: Many countries and publics have shifted against Israel as reports of high civilian casualties, restricted humanitarian access, and mass displacement in Gaza continue14. Demonstrating substantial restraint, increasing access for humanitarian aid, and visibly protecting civilian lives would address widespread international criticism and make it easier for governments to justify support to their constituents14.
• Engage in meaningful diplomacy: Proactively participating in international ceasefire negotiations, showing genuine openness to lasting political solutions, and allowing for third-party oversight (such as from the UN or Red Cross) could persuade skeptical governments that Israel is acting with global norms and not pursuing open-ended occupation1.
• Maintain strong bilateral relationships: Israel has historically relied on key allies, especially the United States, for military aid, intelligence sharing, and political backing2. Focusing on bilateral ties by addressing allies’ domestic concerns around the war (e.g., pressures from opposition parties, media, and human rights groups) and offering strategic cooperation could help preserve core partnerships12.
• Public relations and strategic communications: Israel would need to invest in clear and transparent messaging about its objectives, the steps it is taking to minimize harm, and its willingness to work with international organizations. This could help shift public and elite opinion, especially in countries where support is waning3.
• Course correction on occupation and governance: Indicating willingness to consider alternatives to direct Israeli governance of Gaza after the war, and shrinking the scope of military objectives to align with what allies and international law perceive as legitimate, could restore trust and support15.

Current challenges and limitations:

• Global isolation is deepening: Nations like Germany have halted arms sales to Israel, and even strong U.S. support is complicated by sharply descending public approval, especially among young people and left-leaning voters13.
• Humanitarian concerns drive opposition: Reports by international organizations and activists have amplified calls for embargoes, accountability, and an end to the blockade, making support politically costly for democratic governments4.

In summary, Israel’s best chance to gain or restore outside support lies in visible moderation of military tactics, credible diplomatic engagement, improving humanitarian conditions, and closely managing strategic alliances12345. These steps directly address both governmental and public reservations, which are increasingly decisive in shaping foreign policy choices.