58% of Indians supported Israel, as did 56% of Americans and 52% of Russians, in Foreign Ministry poll. 73% of Americans disliked the PA.

As part of its effort to “rebrand” Israel in the eyes of the world, the Foreign Ministry conducted a poll of 5,215 people from 13 countries described as “central” ones. The poll has found that the people of India are Israel’s best friends, at least among the larger powers: 58 percent of Indians surveyed said that they support Israel.

56 percent of U.S. citizens expressed support for Israel, as did 52 percent of Russians, 50 percent of Mexicans, 48 percent of Chinese and 39 percent of Italians.

Most of the survey was conducted before Operation ‘Cast Lead’ in Gaza was launched in late December.

Results of the poll show that 27 percent of the world’s citizens support Israel politically, while 24 percent think Israel is an “arrogant” country. An identical proportion – 24 percent – see Israel as a “creative” country and 17 percent see it as being a “friendly” one.

35 percent said that they see Israel as a racist country.

In a recent Gallup poll of Americans, Iran came in first as the country viewed most unfavorably – with 80 percent disapproval ratings. North Korea followed with 77 percent, Afghanistan with 75 percent and the Palestinian Authority tying Pakistan with a 73 percent unfavorable rating for each.

A 2007 Gallup poll of Americans found that 58 percent sympathized with Israel over the Palestinian Authority.

