A recent opinion poll conducted by Verian and reported by Der Spiegel indicates that a majority of German voters would support the Federal Republic’s endorsement of sanctions proposed by the European Commission against Israel.
The poll, commissioned by the human rights organization Avaaz and conducted in early September, surveyed 1,004 eligible voters. The survey results revealed that 63 percent expressed support for the measure, while 29 percent opposed it.
Analysis of voter preferences among supporters of represented parties in the Bundestag showed a clear trend. A significant 68 percent of CDU voters approved of potential EU sanctions against Israel, with 30 percent disagreeing. Similar support was observed among SPD voters, where 68 percent favored potential sanctions, compared to 25 percent opposed.
The strongest endorsement emerged from Green Party voters, with 94 percent in favor and only 5 percent opposed. Among Left Party voters, 67 percent expressed positive views regarding German support for Israel sanctions, while 28 percent opposed. The AfD’s voter base was more divided, with 49 percent supporting sanctions and 51 percent opposed.
Christoph Schott, Europe Director of Avaaz, stated that the German Federal Government is increasingly isolated, not only in Europe but also among its own voters. He argues that ongoing investment of taxpayer money in Israeli companies whose products could be used for military purposes contradicts the majority will of German voters. Consequently, he believes Germany should pave the way for sanctions at the EU level.
Notably, the German government recently rejected an EU Commission proposal to temporarily suspend Israel’s participation in the Horizon Europe research funding program.
