Divided Views: Germans growing Critical of Israel, while Israelis maintain Positive Regard for Germany
Growing disapproval among Germans towards Israel's actions and policies
In a recent survey conducted by the Bertelsmann Foundation, it has been revealed that the perception of Israel by the German public has undergone a significant shift since 2021[1][2][3].
Survey Insights
- Softening Support: The percentage of Germans with a positive view of Israel,which was at 46% in 2021, has dropped to 36% in 2025[1][2][3].
- Hardening Criticism: Simultaneously, negative opinions of Israel have risen among Germans by 2%, currently standing at 38%[1][2][3].
- Government Versus Public Opinion: While Germany continues to back Israel's government, the general public, particularly in response to Israel's military actions in Gaza[4], has shown a marked shift in sentiment against Israel[1][2][3].
- Protests and Controversy: The survey highlights a rise in mass protests in Germany against Israel's military campaign in Gaza, with a majority of Germans now opposing these actions[1][2][3].
Israel's Perception of Germany
Although this survey concentrates on German attitudes towards Israel, the data does not provide comparable information on contemporary Israeli views towards Germany. However, it is widely known that Israel, as a result of historical reconciliation and ongoing diplomatic and economic support from Germany, generally holds positive sentiments towards the nation[5]. This aspect is not explicitly covered in the Bertelsmann survey.
Forging a Future
Over the previous four years, German views of Israel have become more negative – especially since the flare-up of the Israel-Hamas conflict in late 2023[4]. The disparity between supportive government policies and a critical public opinion has become more evident[1][2][3].
Key Insights
- Germans, as of 2025, exhibit a more skeptical stance towards Israel compared to four years earlier.
- It is crucial to bridge the gap between public sentiment and government policy in fostering reconciliation and stability between the two nations.
- Although the enrichment data does not provide insights into Israeli opinions regarding Germany, historical research suggests that Israel continues to view Germany favorably.
[1] ntv.de [2] toh [3] dpa [4] Israel-Hamas conflict (2023): Source: Israel National News - https://www.israelnn.com/ [5] Israeli attitudes towards Germany: Source: Encyclopedia Britannica -https://www.britannica.com/topic/Germany-Israel-relations
- The survey reveals a divergence in employment policy, as Germans' positive views towards Israel, as stated in the employment policy, have dropped significantly since 2021, while Israeli relations towards Germany, historically, remain positive.
- The community policy in Germany has shown a shift, with Germans growing more critical of Israel, particularly in response to Israel's military actions in Gaza, contrasting the general news about Germany's continued support for Israel's government.
- Preferences in German politics seem to favor a more critical stance towards Israel, reflected in the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors, due to the recent flare-up in Israel-Hamas conflict and subsequent protests against Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
- Just as it is important for the German government to consider the growing skepticism among the public in shaping future employment and community policies, understanding Israeli preferences towards Germany, as documented in historical research, is crucial for fostering a more harmonious and sustainable relationship between the two nations.
