The European Leadership Network (ELNET) acts as a think tank and network organisation within the European-Israeli context. Their latest opinion poll on Israel, conducted in collaboration with the polling institute Civey, reveals that many Germans view relations with Israel more critically today than they did just a few years ago. At the same time, the desire for close cooperation remains clearly evident. Cooperation in science and education ranks third among the key areas.
Many Germans view relations with Israel with caution
When assessing the current state of relations between Germany and Israel, many citizens are undecided. 41 per cent of those surveyed view the relationship as neither positive nor negative. 37 per cent currently view the relationship negatively, whilst only 22 per cent view it positively. Only supporters of the FDP currently view the relationship predominantly positively; supporters of all other parties share the sceptical attitude of the general population. There are minor differences between men (23 per cent positive) and women (18 per cent positive), as well as between East (19 per cent positive) and West Germans (22 per cent).
The figures reflect the uncertainty that has characterised public discourse since 7 October 2023. The protracted war against Hamas and controversial debates on the war against the Iranian regime are polarising public discourse and visibly influencing perceptions of German-Israeli relations. At the same time, the high number of undecided respondents also shows that many Germans have not fundamentally turned their backs on Israel. Rather, public opinion is currently in flux.
Defence and counter-terrorism at the heart of cooperation
Despite the generally critical mood, many Germans still wish to see close cooperation with Israel – particularly on specific future and security issues. 35 per cent of respondents cite radicalisation and counter-terrorism as the most important area for future German-Israeli cooperation. This puts security policy just ahead of defence at 34 per cent. Science and education follow in third place at 28 per cent, followed by trade at 24 per cent and culture at 16 per cent. Other topics mentioned were new technologies (13 per cent), climate change (11 per cent), energy (8 per cent) and health (6 per cent).
The results clearly show that Israel is increasingly perceived by many Germans as a strategic partner – particularly with regard to security issues, defence and societal resilience against extremism. German-Israeli cooperation is thus understood in more pragmatic terms: less abstract and more strongly oriented towards concrete geopolitical and societal challenges.
Source and complete article : ELNET Deutschland (in German)