A new survey by the German opinion research institute “Infratest” has revealed a growing criticism in Germany towards Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip. The poll, conducted for the ARD’s “Deutschlandtrend” among 1,292 eligible voters, shows that 43% of respondents support limiting or even stopping German weapons exports to Israel.
Thirty percent of those surveyed would support a complete halt on arms exports, while 17% believe the government should maintain its current policy of approving such exports. The majority of respondents, 77%, agree with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with 11% dissenting.
One-third of the respondents, 36%, believe Germany has a greater responsibility to protect Israel due to its history, while 55% disagree. Only 13% think Germany should unconditionally stand by Israel in the conflict, with 74% in opposition.
The survey also shows a growing criticism of Israel’s military response, with 63% of respondents now considering it too extreme, a six-percentage-point increase since August 2024. On the other hand, 18% still believe the response is appropriate, a three-percentage-point decrease.
Fourteen percent of respondents still justify Israel’s military actions even when they affect the Palestinian civilian population, a four-percentage-point decrease. In contrast, 73% now consider such actions unjustified, a five-percentage-point increase.
The survey also reveals a shift in the perception of responsibility for the situation in the Gaza Strip, with 71% of respondents now holding the Hamas responsible, a three-percentage-point decrease and 69% holding Israel responsible, an eight-percentage-point increase. In August 2024, 74% of respondents had blamed the Hamas and 61% had blamed Israel.