A BBC opinion poll has placed Israel second from bottom in a survey of global public opinion on attitudes towards a range of countries. Fifty-two percent viewed Israel as a mainly negative influence, placing it in the dubious company of Iran, Pakistan and North Korea despite Israel being the only Western democracy in the Middle East.

The BBC (and some other media outlets) has undoubtedly contributed to the atmosphere that led to these shocking poll results. With its global reach and influence, the BBC's drip-drip negative reporting from Israel and the Palestinian areas has spread a poison and demonization of Israel far beyond the shores of the UK.

We think it's time that the BBC (and some other media outlets) question its own role in contributing to the atmosphere that led to these shocking poll results.

The full BBC opinion poll can be read here (PDF format).