Tension in Perspectives: Germans Growing Critical of Israel Over Time
Growing Criticism Towards Israel intensifies among Germans
A recent survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation reveals a significant change in Germans' views of Israel. Back in 2021, 46% of adults held a positive outlook on the Jewish state. However, fast-forward to 2025, this figure has dwindled to 36%, with a whopping 38% expressing negative sentiments [1][2][3].
This shift in public opinion isn't merely a brief phase—it's a sustained trend, rooted partly in Israel’s military actions, notably its recent campaign in Gaza. The survey and subsequent opinion polls suggest that the majority of Germans are vehemently opposed to Israel’s military campaign following the Israel-Hamas conflict that ignited on October 7, 2023. These protests against Israel’s military activities indicate a widespread disapproval within the German public [1][2].
In contrast, Israelis generally maintain a favorable view of Germany and its government, ironically countering the growing criticality in Germany. However, it's essential to note that the German government stands as one of Israel’s most steadfast diplomatic allies, despite the increasing domestic pressure due to thenegative public attitudes and mass protests related to the conflict [1][2][3].
While the German past, specifically the Holocaust, significantly impacts the views of both Germans and Israelis, more Israelis attach significance to this memory compared to Germans [4]. Although the 2025 survey does not highlight exact figures related to anti-Semitic attitudes in this context, it is crucial to underline that the shift in sentiment is mainly driven by opinions about Israel’s government policies and military actions.
Key Highlights:
- A steep drop in positive attitudes toward Israel among Germans from 46% in 2021 to 36% in 2025.
- Anti-Israeli sentiment now stands at 38%, signifying growing criticism.
- Germans strongly oppose Israel’s military campaign in Gaza since October 2023.
- The German government remains Israel's diplomatic ally, but faces mounting public pressure.
- Mass protests against Israel’s military actions in Germany have been prominent.
- The survey lacks explicit data on Germans' opinions about anti-Semitism connected to Israel or within Germany in 2025.
[1] ntv.de[2] toh/dpa[3] ... workshop...[4] Enrichment Data: Source: ... personalReflections...
- The Community policy of Germany has shown a marked change in terms of Israeli relations, with the employment policy indicating a decrease in positive outlook towards Israel, from 46% in 2021 to 36% in 2025, while the negative sentiments have risen to 38%.
- Political preferences among Germans have shown a divergence over time, with a growing criticism towards Israeli policies, particularly its military actions, such as the campaign in Gaza, which started on October 7, 2023.
- The General-news and Crime-and-justice sectors in Germany have reported widespread protests against Israel’s military activities, adding to the growing criticism within the German public.
- Despite the changing trends, the diplomatic ties between Israel and Germany, as demonstrated by the employment policy, remain strong, with Germany being one of Israel’s most steadfast allies, a fact that contrasts with the Israeli public's generally favorable view of Germany.
