Israel's war machine has a Gen Z problem

Israel is confronting a new front in its war, the battle for public opinion among young people in the West. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted that his government faces “work to do” in convincing Generation Z as polls show dwindling support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Speaking on the UK-based “Triggernometry” podcast, Netanyahu was asked whether Israel risks losing long-term backing from Western governments once Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, becomes the dominant political force. “If you’re telling me that there’s work to be done on Gen Z and across the West, yes,” he said.

His comments come against the backdrop of mass protests across Western capitals where student groups and young activists have been at the forefront of demonstrations denouncing Israel’s Gaza offensive. A Gallup poll underlines the generational shift: only 6% of Americans aged 18–34 view Netanyahu favourably and just 9% support Israel’s military actions.

Netanyahu argued that the hostility stems not just from opposition to Israel but from what he described as a broader campaign targeting the West itself. Without naming who he believes is orchestrating it, he suggested Israel has become a focal point in a larger ideological struggle.

At the same time, Netanyahu praised Washington’s continued backing, calling US President Donald Trump “an exceptional friend of Israel” who has not “succumbed” to pressures that, in his view, have swayed European leaders. France and the UK have already signalled moves toward recognising a Palestinian state, something Netanyahu dismissed as a concession to anti-Israel sentiment.

Domestically, the prime minister’s challenge is no less daunting. His government has announced plans to mobilise 60,000 reservists for an expanded ground operation in Gaza. Yet Israeli society itself appears increasingly divided with growing numbers calling for a negotiated deal to free hostages held by Hamas rather than prolonging a war that has already taken a heavy toll.

For Netanyahu, the fight is now twofold: sustaining Israel’s military campaign abroad while countering eroding legitimacy at home and among a generation of young Westerners who may one day shape the policies of their governments.