18.09.2025 11:30
According to the ADL report, Kuwait has become the country with the most negative attitude towards Israel. This situation is rooted in Kuwait's strong support for the Palestinian cause, its refusal to recognize Israel, its sensitivity regarding Gaza and Jerusalem, and the intense public reaction. While the UAE and Bahrain are normalizing relations with Israel in the Gulf, Kuwait maintains its firm stance by stating, "There can be no diplomacy until the Palestinian issue is resolved."
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Following Israel's attacks on Gaza, anti-Israel sentiment has surged worldwide. According to the "Global 100 Index" report published by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a survey conducted with 58,000 adults from 103 countries revealed the countries where antisemitism is most prevalent.
KUWAIT AT THE TOP
Kuwait, with a population of 3.6 million, became the country that harbors the most hatred towards Israel with a score of 97 on the index. Indonesia, with a population of 188 million, ranked second with a score of 96. Bahrain came in third with a score of 95.
SAUDI ARABIA AND JORDAN IN THE TOP 5
Saudi Arabia scored 92, and Jordan scored 91, placing them high in anti-Israel sentiment. The UAE (91), Lebanon (86), and Oman (94) are also found at the top of the list.
EGYPT AND TUNISIA ALSO DRAWING ATTENTION WITH HIGH RATES
Egypt scored 84, Tunisia 83, Libya 82, and Algeria 81, placing them among the top 15 countries. Notably, the high levels of anti-Israel sentiment in North African countries are striking. Turkey ranked 6th. The rate among men was higher than that of women, and it was observed that anti-Israel sentiment increased in the group aged over 50.
IMPACT OF GAZA ATTACKS
The ADL report emphasized that the attacks on Gaza played a decisive role in anti-Israel sentiment. Experts noted that especially after October 7, reactions against Israel surged rapidly worldwide.
Here is the ranking of hatred towards Israel;
- Kuwait – 97 points
- Indonesia – 96 points
- Bahrain – 95 points
- Oman – 94 points
- Saudi Arabia – 92 points
- Jordan – 91 points
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) – 91 points
- Lebanon – 86 points
- Egypt – 84 points
- Tunisia – 83 points
- Libya – 82 points
- Algeria – 81 points
- Turkey – 79 points
REASONS FOR KUWAIT'S HATRED
1. The Palestinian Issue and Solidarity
- Kuwait has been one of the countries that has strongly supported the Palestinian cause since its establishment.
- After the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973, it acted together with Arab countries against Israel.
- It provided both political and financial support to Palestinians, hosting them as a labor force in its country.
2. Lack of Diplomatic Relations
- Kuwait has never officially recognized Israel.
- Individuals holding Israeli passports are not allowed to enter the country.
- There is a complete closure of bilateral trade or diplomatic contact.
3. Sensitivity to Gaza and Jerusalem
- Israeli attacks in Gaza and developments in Jerusalem provoke very strong reactions in Kuwaiti public opinion.
- Kuwait has repeatedly worked in the UN for the passage of resolutions in favor of Palestine.
- Particularly, civilian casualties in Gaza have further hardened Kuwait's anti-Israel stance.
4. Different Stance from Gulf Countries
- While the UAE and Bahrain normalized relations with Israel in 2020 through the "Abraham Accords," Kuwait firmly opposed this process.
- It persistently maintains the stance that "diplomacy cannot be established with Israel without resolving the Palestinian issue."
5. Social Perception and Public Pressure
- There is a consensus against Israel in Kuwaiti society.
- The media, religious circles, and civil society organizations continuously keep the anti-Israel discourse alive.
- This social pressure supports the government's firm stance against Israel.
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